Universal has disputed a rumor that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were paid substantially differently for their work on the hit musical adaptation Wicked.
What did Universal say about the pay disparity rumor?
In a recent statement to The Hollywood Reporter, a Universal spokesperson said that any rumors of the pair having a massive pay disparity was “completely false” and had no basis for their veracity.
“Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder. The women received equal pay for their work on Wicked,” the spokesperson said.
Rumors initially began popping up across popular social media sites TikTok and Reddit, with users claiming that Grande was paid $15 million for her work in the film, while Erivo was paid just $1 million. The story didn’t have much evidence behind it, but it quickly began spreading across various posts and news outlets.
The Wicked movies are directed by Jon M. Chu from a screenplay written by the musical’s book writer Winnie Holzman. It is based on Maguire’s bestselling novel and the Tony-winning stage musical.
The ensemble cast is led by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who play Galinda Upland and Elphaba Thropp in the film, respectively. The rest of the cast includes Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp, Bronwyn James as ShenShen, Ethan Slater as Boq, and more.
“The film tells the untold story of the witches of Oz: Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power; and Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart,” reads the official synopsis. “The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths.” Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.”
Wicked: Part One is out now in theaters. The sequel, Wicked: Part Two, is currently set for November 21, 2025.
(Source: The Hollywood Reporter)
