Universal Pictures has shut down rumors that actress Cynthia Erivo was paid significantly less than Ariana Grande for their roles in
“Wicked.”
Rumors circulated online that the
“Thank U, Next”
singer made a whopping $15 million for her supporting role as Glinda, while Erivo, only left with $1 million as the lead, Elphaba. The rumors caused an uproar among fans. One X user wrote,
“The disparity between Ariana’s salary ($15 mil) and Cynthia’s is crazy because why is it that much of a difference? And they’re both named leads in the film.”
Another called the rumor
“diabolical.”
A spokesperson for Universal Pictures said in a statement to Page Six, on Tuesday,
“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 dynamic duo has been by each other’s side since the making of the film. Erivo even expressed how she feels like she
“gained a sister”
in Grande in an interview with Elle earlier this month. Since its debut to the world on Friday,
“Wicked”
has seen box office success, receiving $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally.
“Wicked: Part Two”
is set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
