Universal Pictures has recently debunked a viral rumor suggesting that Ariana Grande was paid significantly more than Cynthia Erivo for their roles in Wicked.
Social media claims suggested that Grande earned $15 million for her portrayal of Glinda, while Erivo was reported to have received only $1 million for playing Elphaba. However, Universal has stated that these reports are entirely false.
A spokesperson for the studio clarified, 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.”
The film, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, follows the origins of the witches from Oz, with Erivo as Elphaba and Grande as Glinda.
The adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, also features a screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, with music by Stephen Schwartz. The star-studded cast includes Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Bowen Yang.
Both Grande and Erivo have praised each other throughout their press tour, expressing admiration for each other’s performances and even hinting at the possibility of returning to Broadway together in the future.
The second part of Wicked is set to release on November 21, 2025. The first film ends with the iconic “Defying Gravity,” leading into a “To Be Continued” moment, as explained by Chu, who emphasized the importance of splitting the film into two parts to find the right balance.
Wicked has proven to be a box-office hit, breaking records with a historic $15.8 million on a Monday, surpassing Frozen 2’s previous record. The film also grossed over $160 million globally in its opening weekend.
