Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Got Paid Equally for ‘Wicked,’ Universal Calls Pay Disparity Rumors ‘Completely False’

As a longtime admirer of the magic that unfolds on the silver screen and the stage alike, I am thrilled to witness the remarkable journey of two extraordinary talents – Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo – as they grace us with their enchanting performances in “Wicked”. It is heartening to see a studio like Universal Pictures taking a stand against baseless rumors and ensuring equal pay for these outstanding artists.


In an unusual move to address online speculation, Universal Pictures confirmed that both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo received identical paychecks for their roles as the main actors in the film “Wicked.

Over the weekend, stories without basis emerged about Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s earnings for their roles in “Wicked”. Outlets such as the New York Post spread unconfirmed rumors based on speculative posts from TikTok and Reddit users, suggesting that Grande made $15 million as Glinda the Good while Erivo received $1 million to portray Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West in the end. However, these figures have not been verified.

A representative from Universal has clarified that rumors about unequal payment for Cynthia and Ariana in the production of ‘Wicked’ are unfounded. In fact, both women were compensated equally for their contributions.

Indeed, the production company responsible for the high-budget musical didn’t disclose the exact figures regarding Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s earnings.

Jon M. Chu oversaw the PG movie “Wicked”, a screen version of Act One from the popular Broadway musical, which delves into the events that unfold before Dorothy arrives in Oz. The narrative spans before, during, and after the occurrences depicted in “The Wizard of Oz” and focuses on an unusual bond between Elphaba, who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West with green skin, and Galinda, a character known later as Glinda the Good, who is fond of all things pink.

The musical “Wicked” brought in an impressive $112 million in North America and $164 million worldwide during its opening weekend, making it the third highest domestic debut of 2023 and the largest for a Broadway adaptation. The sequel, titled “Wicked: Part Two,” is set to hit theaters in 2025. In total, Universal invested approximately $300 million to produce both films, excluding their elaborate, costly promotional campaigns featuring pink and green themes.

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2024-11-26 22:16