In a swift response to internet rumours, Universal Pictures has shattered speculation about salary disparities between Wicked lead actresses Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, per variety.com. Online whispers suggesting Grande earned $15 million while Erivo received only $1 million were branded “completely false” by a studio spokesperson.
The high-profile musical, directed by Jon M. Chu, exploded onto screens this weekend with a spectacular $112 million domestic and $164 million global opening—marking the year’s third-best debut and setting a new record for Broadway adaptations.
Despite rampant online speculation fuelled by social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit, Universal maintained that both actresses received identical compensation for their breakthrough roles as Glinda and Elphaba.
The film, which explores the origin story of the witches from “The Wizard of Oz,” represents a massive $300 million investment by the studio, with “Wicked: Part Two” already slated for release in 2025.
By swiftly addressing pay disparity rumours, Universal sends a clear message about commitment to fair compensation in an industry historically criticized for unequal treatment of actresses.
•Featured image:Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande/Getty Images for WSJ. Magazine
