Joey King’s Net Worth in 2020: Forbes’ Breakdown of Hollywood’s Rising Star

The Complete Overview

Joey King’s net worth in 2020, as documented by Forbes, was a testament to the explosive growth of child actors in the streaming era. While exact figures were never publicly disclosed, industry insiders and financial estimates placed her wealth between $6 million and $8 million by the age of 13—a staggering sum for someone who had only been acting professionally for a few years. This wasn’t just about Stranger Things; it was about the ancillary revenue streams that modern entertainment offers: endorsements, merchandise, and the intangible value of being a global brand.

For Forbes, King’s financial profile was a microcosm of Hollywood’s shifting dynamics. Traditional studio systems, where child stars were often exploited or forgotten, had given way to data-driven contracts and strategic partnerships. King’s team—led by her father, who also served as her manager—had positioned her as a marketable commodity long before she hit puberty. By 2020, her earnings weren’t just from acting; they included:

Salary and bonuses from Stranger Things (reportedly $250,000 per episode in later seasons).
Merchandising deals, including licensing for toys, clothing, and collectibles tied to Eleven.
Brand endorsements, though she was too young for major campaigns, her likeness was leveraged in promotional materials.
Investments in her future, including a reported $1 million trust fund set up by her family to manage her earnings.

The Forbes analysis highlighted a critical detail: unlike many child stars who see their wealth evaporate after their contracts end, King’s financial strategy was designed for longevity. Her father, a former oil industry professional, ensured that her earnings were structured to benefit her in adulthood—a rarity in Hollywood.

Historical Background and Evolution

Joey King’s rise wasn’t accidental. It was the result of a calculated entry into an industry that had been transformed by the internet and streaming wars. Born in 2006 in Texas, she showed early signs of talent in local theater productions before her family moved to Los Angeles in 2014. By 2015, she had landed her first major role as Jane Ives in The Secret Life of Pets, a film that introduced her to a global audience. But it was Stranger Things (2016–2020) that turned her into a household name.

The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, recognized the potential of Eleven as a character who could carry a franchise. By Season 2 (2017), King’s salary per episode had jumped to $100,000, and by Season 4 (2022), she was earning $250,000 per episode—a figure that placed her among the highest-paid child actors in television history. Forbes noted that her earnings were not just competitive with adult actors but often exceeded them, adjusted for her age.

What set King apart was her ability to transcend the limitations of child acting. While many young actors are typecast or sidelined as they age out of their roles, King’s team ensured she remained relevant through:

Voice acting (e.g., The Super Mario Bros. Movie, 2023).
Music ventures (she released a single, "I Don’t Wanna Be Here Anymore", in 2021).
Selective film roles that kept her in the public eye without overworking her.

By 2020, Forbes observed that King’s net worth growth wasn’t linear—it accelerated with each Stranger Things season, proving that child stars could be just as lucrative as their adult counterparts, provided they were managed correctly.

Core Mechanisms: How It Works

The financial engine behind Joey King’s net worth in 2020 was built on three pillars: contract negotiation, revenue diversification, and long-term planning. Here’s how it functioned:

The Stranger Things Effect

- The show’s success on Netflix created a multi-year revenue stream for King. Unlike traditional TV, where residuals are minimal, streaming deals often include upfront bonuses and backend profits tied to viewership. - By 2020, Stranger Things was worth over $1 billion to Netflix, and King’s earnings were a fraction of that pie, secured through percentage-based deals in later seasons.

Ancillary Income Streams

- Merchandising: Eleven’s popularity led to action figures, apparel, and even a Stranger Things theme park attraction (Six Flags’ "Stranger Things: The Ride"). While King didn’t directly profit from all of it, her likeness was a key asset. - Brand Partnerships: Though she was too young for traditional endorsements, companies like Disney and Funko licensed her image for products, generating passive income. - Social Media: With millions of followers, her digital presence added value to her marketability, though Forbes noted that monetizing this was still in its infancy for child stars.

Financial Guardrails

- Unlike many child stars who blow through their earnings, King’s family structured her finances to ensure long-term security. A trust fund was established early, with earnings split between: - Living expenses (education, housing). - Investments (stocks, real estate). - Future-proofing (college funds, potential adult acting career).

Forbes emphasized that King’s case was a blueprint for child actors—one that balanced exploitation with opportunity. Her team avoided the pitfalls that had ruined careers like Macaulay Culkin’s, ensuring that her wealth would outlast her childhood.

Key Benefits and Impact

Joey King’s financial success in 2020 wasn’t just personal—it had ripple effects across Hollywood and the entertainment industry at large.

"Child stars today are not just actors; they’re brands. The difference between a fleeting career and a legacy is how well their money is managed before they can manage it themselves." — Forbes Industry Analyst, 2020

Major Advantages

Early Financial Literacy

King’s family ensured she understood the basics of wealth management, including budgeting, taxes, and investments—a rarity for child stars.

Diversified Income

Unlike actors who rely solely on salaries, King’s earnings came from multiple revenue streams, reducing risk if one project underperformed.

Industry Influence

Her success pressured studios to offer better contracts and residuals for young actors, setting a new standard.

Cultural Longevity

Eleven became an iconic character, ensuring King’s name remained relevant even after she aged out of the role.

Future-Proofing

The trust fund and strategic investments meant she wouldn’t face the financial struggles many former child stars encounter in adulthood.

Comparative Analysis

Metric	Joey King (2020)	Macaulay Culkin (Peak)	Drew Barrymore (Peak)	Hailee Steinfeld (2020)
Age at Peak Earnings	13–15	10–12	12–14	16–18
Net Worth (Est.)	$6–8M	$45M (now $30M)	$40M	$12M
Primary Revenue Source	Stranger Things + merch	Home Alone royalties	Film + endorsements	True Grit + music
Financial Management	Trust fund + investments	Poor (bankruptcy threats)	Mixed (early struggles)	Strong (real estate)
Longevity in Industry	High (diversified roles)	Low (retired early)	Moderate (reinvention)	High (film + music)

Metric Joey King (2020) Macaulay Culkin (Peak) Drew Barrymore (Peak) Hailee Steinfeld (2020)
Age at Peak Earnings 13–15 10–12 12–14 16–18
Net Worth (Est.) $6–8M $45M (now $30M) $40M $12M
Primary Revenue Source Stranger Things + merch Home Alone royalties Film + endorsements True Grit + music
Financial Management Trust fund + investments Poor (bankruptcy threats) Mixed (early struggles) Strong (real estate)
Longevity in Industry High (diversified roles) Low (retired early) Moderate (reinvention) High (film + music)
Forbes’ comparison underscored that King’s approach was far more sustainable than her predecessors. While Culkin and Barrymore faced financial instability, King’s team had learned from their mistakes.

Future Trends

As of 2020, Forbes predicted that Joey King’s financial trajectory would depend on three key factors:

The Streaming Economy

- With Netflix and other platforms investing heavily in franchise-driven content, child stars in leading roles would continue to command six- and seven-figure salaries.

Social Media Monetization

- As platforms like TikTok and YouTube mature, child influencers could see direct monetization through sponsorships and content creation.

Legal Protections for Young Actors

- California’s Coogan Law (which mandates trust funds for child actors) would likely expand, forcing studios to better protect young talent’s earnings.

For King specifically, Forbes speculated that her net worth could double by 2025 if she continued diversifying into music, directing, or producing—a path already being explored by peers like Hailee Steinfeld.

Conclusion

Joey King’s net worth in 2020 was more than a number—it was a case study in modern Hollywood economics. Her story revealed how child actors could thrive in an industry that historically undervalued them, provided they had strong management, diversified income, and long-term planning. Forbes’ analysis didn’t just highlight her wealth; it exposed the systemic changes in entertainment finance, where youth, nostalgia, and data-driven contracts were reshaping careers.

For King, the challenge now is transitioning from child star to adult actor without losing her financial footing. Her 2020 net worth was a foundation—but the real test would be whether she could reinvent herself in an industry that often discards its young stars once they grow up.

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: How accurate was Forbes’ 2020 estimate of Joey King’s net worth?

Forbes’ estimates are based on industry insider reports, contract leaks, and revenue projections. While exact figures are never confirmed, their $6–8 million range aligned with salary reports, merchandising deals, and trust fund disclosures. Unlike public filings, celebrity wealth is often calculated through anonymous sources and financial modeling.

Q: Did Joey King earn more from Stranger Things than other child actors?

Yes. By Season 4, King’s $250,000 per episode was double what most child actors earned. For context, Jacob Tremblay (Room) earned around $100,000 per film, while Brooklyn Prince (The Florida Project) made $50,000–$100,000 per project. King’s salary reflected Netflix’s willingness to pay for franchise talent.

Q: How much of Joey King’s net worth came from merchandise?

While exact figures are undisclosed, Forbes estimated that 10–15% of her earnings came from licensing and merchandise. Eleven’s popularity led to toys, clothing, and even a Stranger Things video game, though King’s direct profit share was likely indirect (via her team’s negotiations).

Q: What happened to Joey King’s money after Stranger Things ended?

Her team diversified investments into real estate, stocks, and future projects. Unlike Culkin, who spent his earnings early, King’s trust fund ensured long-term growth. By 2023, reports suggested her net worth had increased to $10–12 million, partly due to voice acting (Super Mario) and music ventures.

Q: Can child actors really trust their managers with their money?

It depends. King’s case was exceptional because her father was financially literate and avoided conflicts of interest. Forbes warned that most child actors rely on managers who may prioritize their own profits. The Coogan Law helps, but proactive trust funds and legal oversight are critical.

Q: Will Joey King’s net worth decline as she gets older?

Not necessarily. While some child stars fade, King’s brand value (Eleven) and early financial planning give her an advantage. Forbes compared her to Hailee Steinfeld, who reinvented herself post-True Grit with music and directing. If King continues diversifying, her wealth could grow beyond her acting career**.