Universal Pictures has reportedly made things clear about the salary disparity rumors revolving around Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera. Shortly after the release of the musical adapted from The Wizard Of Oz, multiple unsubstantiated claims were going around the internet that the two leading actors did not get paid equally for their respective roles.
As the rumor goes, Ariana Grande got $15 million for playing her part as Galina Upland (aka Galinda The Good) while Cynthia Erivo earned $1 million for her role as Elphaba Thropp. Based on these controversies and allegations, there has been a lot of pressure from the media.
However, an unnamed spokesperson with Universal Pictures has confirmed in a recent statement to The Hollywood Reporter that there was no pay disparity and both actresses got equal amounts. Furthermore, all the allegations were addressed by the spokesperson as 'internet fodder.'
What did Universal say about the Wicked salary dispute controversy?
The Universal Pictures spokesperson has told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement:
"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."
This has been further confirmed by other sources according to The Hollywood Reporter. Even without any substantial information, the rumors spread very throughout the internet, because of some claims made by users on Reddit and TikTok.
Moreover, the high box office numbers of Wicked have become another factor for this media turmoil as it would mean an impartial treatment for the stars if they were paid differently. Furthermore, Ariana and Cynthia's roles are equally important throughout the story with equal screen time.
Universal has further clarified its investment in the project. According to the production house, $350 million was put into the two-part musical.
What more do we know about the Wicked franchise?
Director Jon M. Chu's adaptation of Wicked explores events before Dorothy arrives in the Land of Oz. It further builds on the unlikely bond between green-skinned Elphaba (who later becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda Upland (also called Galinda The Good), her pink-obsessed roomie.
Wicked has turned out to be a box office hit with its opening weekend bringing in $112 million in North America. Moreover, it grossed about $164 million globally at the same time. The movie has been ranked as the third-best domestic debut of 2024, making it the largest ever for any Broadway adaptation.
Wicked: Part Two will be theatrically released in 2025, as audience eagerly wait for the musical chronicle to continue.
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