Recent rumors have sparked controversy over alleged pay disparities between Wicked co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
They has now issued an official statement to address these claims.
Universal Pictures responds to viral pay gap rumors
Reports claimed Ariana Grande earned $15 million, while Cynthia Erivo received just $1 million for their roles in Wicked.
Fans were shocked, especially since Erivo plays Elphaba, the lead role, while Grande portrays Glinda, a supporting character.
Universal Pictures quickly refuted the allegations, stating:
“Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder.”
The studio confirmed both actresses received equal pay, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
Rumored salaries for the Wicked cast
The viral salary list suggested wide discrepancies among the cast.
– Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum allegedly earned $2 million each.
– Jonathan Bailey reportedly received $450,000.
– Ethan Slater, playing Boq, allegedly earned $350,000.
– Marissa Bode and Bowen Yang were rumored to have made $250,000 each.
These figures sparked heated debates among fans online.
Fans react to the alleged pay gap
Social media erupted with opinions about the rumored pay disparity.
One tweet, with over 11 million views, read:
“Ariana getting paid over $10M more than Cynthia doesn’t sit right with me.”
Others called the alleged gap “diabolical” and “unfair.”
Some defended Grande’s rumored earnings, citing her star power and ability to attract audiences.
One user wrote: Actor salaries aren’t based on talent but on how many people they draw to the theater.
A separate social media user claimed Grande split her $15 million salary with Erivo to ensure fairness.
Additionally, director Jon M. Chu is rumored to reward cast members with bonuses if the film performs well.
Wicked’s record-breaking debut
Despite the controversy, Wicked achieved a historic box office milestone.
The film grossed $114 million in its opening weekend, marking the biggest debut for a musical adaptation.
The production budget for both parts of Wicked reportedly reached $300 million, averaging $150 million per installment.
Universal Pictures has firmly denied allegations of unequal pay for Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
While speculation continues, the studio’s response underscores its commitment to fairness.
Meanwhile, Wicked’s financial success reaffirms its cultural impact, drawing attention back to the magic of the beloved musical adaptation.