Updated 11/26/24 at 2:01 p.m. ET
After social media spent a big chunk of the morning going crazy over reports of a massive pay disparity between “Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it seems everyone can calm down, as things are all equal in Oz.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, a spokesperson for Universal Pictures addressed the issue, 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.’”
Honestly, this is a relief as the rumored pay disparity was so shocking, we had serious questions about how Universal was valuing the star of its hit film. Now we can all relax and enjoy those sing-a-long screenings coming in December.
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“Wicked’s” huge box office success has made the film a bonafide phenomenon. The movie currently has a worldwide gross of $162 million and is receiving awards buzz for its two stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Producers previously announced they will be submitting Cynthia Erivo as lead actress and Ariana Grande as supporting actress throughout awards season.
“Wicked” has always been considered a story centered on Erivo’s Elphaba. However, recent rumors about the cast’s pay don’t reflect the fact that the musical is Elphaba’s story: Reports are saying that the “Thank U Next” singer was paid $15 million, while “The Color Purple” Broadway star made $1 million.
We assume this drastic disparity in pay is mostly due to Grande’s name recognition as a music superstar. But Erivo is an Oscar win away from being an EGOT and is one of Broadway’s most successful stars. This is a prime example of Taraji P. Henson’s comments on how Black actresses are chronically underpaid.
This isn’t a knock against Grande, as she’s also worked hard to achieve success, but a $14 million difference between the two stars is glaring. As the shocking numbers circulated around the internet, social media made its thoughts known and fans were just as unhappy about the disparity as we are.
One fan noted how this controversy has tainted the movie a little, writing on X, “It kinda sickens me how Ariana Grande got paid 14 million more for her role as Glinda than Cynthia Erivo got paid for her role as Elphaba. ITS CALLED “WICKED” Elphaba is the lead role and you’re only going to pay Cynthia a million? Like I get it Ariana is a major pop star and I like her, but that’s just ridiculous to me. I loved this film but I don’t know this leaves a sour taste in my mouth.”
Someone else acknowledged that once again a Black woman is doing the brunt of the work without being properly compensated, posting, “finding out Cynthia only got $1 Million for Wicked when Michelle got $2 Million for Madame Morrible and Ari got $15 MILLION!!!???? Cynthia is THE lead like I get Ari’s star power but $14 million more is insane. Always work twice is hard for half as much.”
Another person pointed out that big salaries are often based on how well known certain stars are, writing, “It’s shitty how Hollywood works. It’s not based on hours worked, in being a protagonist... It’s based in how much people can recognize your name so the movie/series gets publicity on that. And usually this system is f***ed for women and POC actors.”
One user reminded everyone of Erivo’s accomplishments, writing, “How could they pay Cynthia $1-2m for the role in Wicked?? She’s almost an EGOT.”
Over on TikTok, another person thinks Erivo may have other deals in place with the studio and producers, replying, “[One million] sounds diabolical, but she’s probably getting part of the box office sales and merchandising. and if that’s the case she will easily surpass 15 [million].”
It’s worth noting that the British actress’ production company, Edith’s Daughter, recently signed a first-look deal with Universal Pictures, so we don’t know if she has other compensation deals in place for “Wicked.”
Even if Erivo is making far more than $15 million off the film’s other financial streams, Paying a Tony winner and Oscar nominee $14 million less than her pop star colleague who has significantly less acting credits sends a very loud message about who is considered more valuable to the studio.