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Rumors about a significant pay disparity between Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have recently circulated on social media. Claims suggested that Grande, who plays the supporting role of Glinda, was paid $15 million, while Erivo, who portrays the lead role of Elphaba, allegedly earned only $1 million.
These reports sparked widespread outrage among fans, with many calling the supposed disparity "diabolical" and "unfair." Some questioned why a supporting character would receive such a larger paycheck compared to the lead, while others defended Grande's higher salary due to her larger fanbase and commercial appeal.
However, Universal Pictures swiftly debunked the rumors. A spokesperson for the studio clarified the situation in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, 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." This statement comes in the wake of viral posts on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, which fueled the rumors. The spokesperson did not disclose the actual salaries of Grande and Erivo.
While some fans were shocked by the allegations, others noted that salary discrepancies in the industry often reflect an actor's ability to draw larger audiences. In this case, Grande's global popularity could be seen as a factor influencing her higher salary. Yet, the rumored pay gap between supporting and lead roles also led to confusion, especially as other cast members, including Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, were reportedly paid $2 million for their smaller roles.
The viral salary rumors came after the Wicked film's massive success, grossing $164.2 million globally during its opening weekend. The first part of the two-part movie, directed by Jon M. Chu, has been well-received by audiences, with the second part expected in 2025. Despite the online uproar, neither Grande nor Erivo has publicly addressed the rumors.
