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Universal Pictures has put an end to speculation over pay disparity between Wicked co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. A Universal spokesperson clarified to The Hollywood Reporter that both actresses received equal pay for their roles in the film adaptation of the iconic musical, dispelling a wave of internet rumors that suggested otherwise.
Credit: Universal Pictures
“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 studio representative stated. Additional sources familiar with the project confirmed the statement, ensuring that Erivo, who plays Elphaba, and Grande, as Glinda, were compensated equally.
The rumors, initially circulating on platforms like Reddit and TikTok, claimed Grande earned $15 million while Erivo was paid only $1 million. Although these figures were baseless, they quickly gained traction across social media and were amplified by several news outlets, stirring unwarranted controversy around the blockbuster musical’s production.
Avoided Fallout from a Potential Crisis
Credit: Universal Pictures
Had these claims been true, the impact could have extended far beyond this production. A pay disparity of this scale between two leads in a film of this magnitude would likely have jeopardized not only the cast’s cohesion but also Universal’s broader reputation. Industry observers note that such inequities often lead to public backlash, strained relationships, and challenges with attracting top talent for future projects.
Fortunately, this controversy was quashed before it could derail Universal’s Wicked franchise, which already has a sequel planned for late 2025. With both stars compensated equally, the production avoided a crisis that could have cast a shadow over the long-awaited adaptation.
A Production Steeped in Talent
Credit: Universal Pictures
Under Jon M. Chu’s direction, Wicked brings to life the untold story of Elphaba and Glinda, based on Gregory Maguire’s best-selling novel and the Broadway phenomenon. Winnie Holzman, who wrote the original stage show, teamed up with Dana Fox for the screenplay, while Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist behind the beloved music, adapted the score for the screen.
The movie also features an ensemble cast that includes Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Bowen Yang. While Grande and Erivo have shared their excitement for the film, they’ve also expressed hopes to return to Broadway together, further cementing their bond as co-stars.
Box Office Domination
Despite the brief controversy, Wicked continues to soar at the box office. The film set a new record for a musical, raking in $15 million in a single Monday and surpassing Frozen 2’s $12.7 million benchmark in 2019. The global debut brought in over $160 million during its opening weekend, reaffirming the musical’s immense popularity and box office potential.
The first installment concludes with Defying Gravity, the iconic Act I finale from the Broadway production. Chu explained his decision to split the adaptation into two films, noting that it allowed the creative team the necessary space to do justice to the epic story.
Looking Toward the Future
Credit: Universal
The second installment of Wicked is set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025, promising to continue the story of Elphaba and Glinda in what has already been hailed as a definitive take on the legendary musical.
With Universal’s swift response ensuring that rumors didn’t spiral out of control, the focus has returned to the groundbreaking performances, dazzling visuals, and the sheer scale of this ambitious project. By addressing pay equity early and transparently, the studio reinforced its dedication to fairness, allowing Wicked to enchant fans and critics alike without distraction.
Could a disparity like this jeopardize the future of the Wicked franchise?
