Reports claiming a pay disparity between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for their roles in the Wicked movie adaptation are entirely false, Universal Pictures confirmed on Tuesday.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, a Universal spokesperson denied the rumors, saying, “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.”
Multiple sources close to the film’s production also verified that both actresses were compensated the same for their roles as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in the much-anticipated film, which is directed by Jon M. Chu. The rumors had been circulating on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit, with claims suggesting that Grande earned $15 million for her role, while Erivo allegedly made only $1 million. These unsubstantiated claims quickly gained traction, sparking heated debate online.
The Wicked film, based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, tells the origin story of the witches of Oz, focusing on the characters of Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande). The Broadway musical, which originally premiered in 2003, was adapted into a movie by Wicked book writer Winnie Holzman, who penned the screenplay alongside Dana Fox. The movie’s music is by Stephen Schwartz, the Academy Award-winning composer and lyricist who also worked on the original stage production.
Film’s Star-Studded Cast and Record-Breaking Box Office Performance
Alongside Erivo and Grande, the Wicked film stars a variety of well-known actors, including Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Bowen Yang. Despite the ongoing rumors surrounding the actresses’ pay, the Wicked film has been receiving widespread praise for its performances and visual spectacle.
The movie has also proven to be a major success at the box office. Wicked earned a record-breaking $15.8 million on Monday, surpassing the previous record set by Frozen 2 in 2019, which grossed $12.7 million on a similar Monday. This milestone follows a massive opening weekend in which the film grossed over $160 million globally. The movie’s success comes as part of a larger resurgence of Broadway musicals making their way to the big screen, following the successes of films like The Greatest Showman and In the Heights.
A Strong Relationship On and Offscreen
Despite the swirling rumors, both Erivo and Grande have maintained a close friendship throughout the press tour for Wicked. The two have expressed admiration for each other both professionally and personally. In interviews, they have shared their excitement about working together, noting that their bond has only strengthened during the filming process.
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“We’re a team,” Grande said in a recent interview. “We support each other through everything, and it’s been amazing to share this experience with Cynthia.”
Erivo echoed these sentiments, adding, “I absolutely adore Ariana. We’ve connected in such a special way both on and offscreen. I think our chemistry will really come through in the film.”
In addition to their roles in the Wicked movie, both actresses have expressed interest in returning to the stage. Grande has previously stated her desire to return to Broadway, and Erivo, a Tony Award winner for her role in The Color Purple, has also expressed interest in revisiting theater in the future.
The Future of Wicked and Its Fans
Fans of the Wicked franchise can look forward to more in the coming years. The second installment of the Wicked movie, titled Wicked: Part Two, is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. The decision to split the film into two parts was made to allow the filmmakers to fully capture the epic story, with director Jon M. Chu explaining that the ending of the first film naturally set up a “To Be Continued” narrative.
“We found that the room was necessary,” Chu told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent interview. “We wanted to find a balance that honored the scope of the original stage show, and splitting the film allows us to give the story the time it deserves.”
With the first movie already dominating the box office, expectations are high for the second installment, which promises to delve deeper into the themes of friendship, power, and betrayal that are central to the Wicked narrative.
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As Wicked continues to make waves both at the box office and on social media, the focus remains on the remarkable performances of its leading ladies, Erivo and Grande. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how the two stars bring their iconic roles to life on the big screen.
