Universal Confirms Equal Pay for Wicked Stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
Universal Pictures has addressed online rumors suggesting a pay gap between Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, emphasizing that both actresses received equal compensation for their roles in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway hit.
The speculation, which originated on Reddit, claimed Grande earned $15 million for portraying Glinda, the “good” witch, while Erivo was allegedly paid only $1 million for her role as Elphaba, the “wicked” witch. Universal, however, dismissed these claims.
“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” a Universal spokesperson stated to Deadline.
A separate source associated with the production corroborated Universal’s statement, confirming the duo’s salaries were identical.
Grande, a longtime fan of the Wicked musical, had publicly expressed her desire to play Glinda before landing the part. Both actresses shared insights about their connection during filming, revealing how they built a supportive relationship.
In an interview with Deadline’s Dessi Gomez, Erivo recounted their initial meeting at her home, where they spent five hours talking before practicing their vocals at director Jon M. Chu’s house. “Both of us made the decision and have had the discussion about really being good to each other, making space for each other, being honest with each other, and choosing to build our friendship” Erivo said.
Wicked Sets Records
The film, which is being released in two parts, carries a production budget of $320 million before marketing. Its theatrical release is highly anticipated, with Wicked already breaking records for a Broadway musical adaptation. Following a strong $112.5 million domestic debut weekend, the movie grossed $162.5 million globally within three days, achieving the highest weekend earnings for a film based on a Broadway show. The box office momentum continued with a record-setting $15.8 million on Monday, making it the best November Monday performance to date. The female-led movie has drawn 70% of its audience from women, but competition looms as Disney’s Moana 2 enters theaters. While Wicked grossed an estimated $117.5 million over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, Moana 2 topped it with a $221 million haul, breaking the Thanksgiving weekend record previously held by Frozen 2.
Despite the success of the Disney animated film, Universal’s Wicked continues to make headlines, both for its box office success and for debunking rumors about a salary gap between its principal cast members.
Source: Deadline
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Universal Pictures has addressed online rumors suggesting a pay gap between Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, emphasizing that both actresses received equal compensation for their roles in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway hit.
The speculation, which originated on Reddit, claimed Grande earned $15 million for portraying Glinda, the “good” witch, while Erivo was allegedly paid only $1 million for her role as Elphaba, the “wicked” witch. Universal, however, dismissed these claims.
“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” a Universal spokesperson stated to Deadline.
A separate source associated with the production corroborated Universal’s statement, confirming the duo’s salaries were identical.
Grande, a longtime fan of the Wicked musical, had publicly expressed her desire to play Glinda before landing the part. Both actresses shared insights about their connection during filming, revealing how they built a supportive relationship.
In an interview with Deadline’s Dessi Gomez, Erivo recounted their initial meeting at her home, where they spent five hours talking before practicing their vocals at director Jon M. Chu’s house. “Both of us made the decision and have had the discussion about really being good to each other, making space for each other, being honest with each other, and choosing to build our friendship” Erivo said.
Wicked Sets Records
The film, which is being released in two parts, carries a production budget of $320 million before marketing. Its theatrical release is highly anticipated, with Wicked already breaking records for a Broadway musical adaptation. Following a strong $112.5 million domestic debut weekend, the movie grossed $162.5 million globally within three days, achieving the highest weekend earnings for a film based on a Broadway show. The box office momentum continued with a record-setting $15.8 million on Monday, making it the best November Monday performance to date. The female-led movie has drawn 70% of its audience from women, but competition looms as Disney’s Moana 2 enters theaters. While Wicked grossed an estimated $117.5 million over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, Moana 2 topped it with a $221 million haul, breaking the Thanksgiving weekend record previously held by Frozen 2.
Despite the success of the Disney animated film, Universal’s Wicked continues to make headlines, both for its box office success and for debunking rumors about a salary gap between its principal cast members.
Source: Deadline
Share:
Netflix’s Live Strategy in ActionBlockbuster Thanksgiving Revives Box Office, Is It Enough for Hollywood?
