The world of Hollywood is no stranger to pay disparities, but when the reported salaries of two beloved stars—Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo—were leaked, fans were left stunned by the apparent wage gap. With both stars playing pivotal roles in the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation, the controversy over their alleged salaries has stirred up heated discussions online. However, as the dust settles, Universal Pictures has stepped in to clarify that the rumors are false. Let’s dive into what happened and why the story created such a storm.
The Stars of Wicked: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are two powerhouse performers, each bringing their unique style and talent to the Wicked film. In this adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical, Grande plays Glinda, the Good Witch, while Erivo portrays Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Both roles are integral to the plot, with Elphaba’s journey being the focal point of the story.
The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, follows the origin story of these two witches, who, despite their stark differences, form an unlikely friendship that shapes the future of Oz. The Wicked musical, based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, has captivated audiences for years, and the movie adaptation has been equally anticipated. Since its release on November 22, 2024, the film has garnered rave reviews, particularly for the performances of Grande and Erivo.
The Rumors Begin: Unequal Pay?
While fans were excited about the film’s success, it wasn’t long before a rumored pay disparity between the two lead actresses surfaced. According to an alleged report, Cynthia Erivo, who portrays the title character Elphaba, was paid $1 million for her role, while Ariana Grande, as Glinda, was reportedly paid a staggering $15 million. Other rumored salaries included Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum earning $2 million each, while Jonathan Bailey supposedly received $450,000.
This revelation sparked outrage among fans, many of whom questioned the fairness of such a vast pay difference between the two stars. “Ariana getting paid over $10M more than Cynthia doesn’t sit right with me,” one user tweeted. Others argued that despite Grande’s superstar status, Erivo, as the lead character, should have been compensated equally or more. One fan pointed out, “It’s not that Ariana shouldn’t have been paid that much. It’s that Cynthia should have been paid just as much, if not more—she’s the lead, after all.”
Fans Defend Ariana’s Alleged Pay
Despite the backlash, some fans defended Grande, acknowledging her immense popularity and international star power. “Ariana is a superstar, pop star known worldwide. She brings a whole fanbase with her to watch the movie,” one user commented. Another added, “She’s ARIANA GRANDE? One of the biggest pop stars of all time—of course, she will be paid more than anyone else.”
These defenses focused on the notion that Grande’s massive following and her status as a global music icon likely factored into her salary negotiations. After all, Grande’s fanbase is a built-in audience, which is an asset for any movie studio. As a result, her higher salary would be seen as a strategic business decision to help ensure the film’s financial success.
The Truth: Universal’s Denial of the Pay Gap
After the rumors swirled and fans continued to voice their opinions, Universal Pictures stepped in to address the issue. A spokesperson for the studio released a statement denying the reports of pay disparity, calling them “completely false” and based on “internet fodder.” The statement went on to clarify that both Grande and Erivo were paid equally for their work on the film.
The studio’s confirmation that both actresses received the same pay has put an end to the controversy—at least officially. Despite this, the fact that the rumor gained so much traction on social media raises questions about how such misinformation spreads and why fans were so quick to believe it.
Why the Pay Disparity Controversy Matters
The debate over Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s alleged salaries isn’t just about these two actresses. It highlights the ongoing issue of pay inequality in Hollywood, particularly when it comes to gender and race. Although Universal has clarified that there was no actual pay gap between Grande and Erivo, the mere suggestion that there could have been one stirs up broader concerns about how women, especially women of color, are compensated in the entertainment industry.
Erivo, who is a talented and accomplished actress, singer, and activist, has faced some of these challenges in the past. The actress has been vocal about the lack of diversity in Hollywood and the barriers that Black performers often encounter. In this context, the rumors about her salary, when juxtaposed with Grande’s reported pay, raise important questions about how the industry values different kinds of talent, regardless of the actor’s background.
Is Pay Inequality Still a Problem in Hollywood?
While the rumor about the pay gap was debunked, the discussion it sparked is still very relevant. Pay inequality is a systemic issue in Hollywood, and the entertainment industry has faced increasing scrutiny over how much it compensates stars for their work. It’s no secret that women, and especially women of color, often earn less than their male counterparts. This issue has been highlighted by numerous reports, studies, and discussions in recent years, with many pointing to the need for greater transparency and fairness in pay scales.
For instance, the pay disparity between male and female actors in leading roles has been a topic of conversation for years. Top-grossing actresses like Jennifer Lawrence, Scarlett Johansson, and Reese Witherspoon have spoken out about the challenges they’ve faced in getting paid on par with their male co-stars. While progress has been made in some areas, many believe there is still much work to be done to ensure that all actors are paid fairly based on their contributions to a film, not their gender or race.
Conclusion: What’s the Real Takeaway?
While the alleged pay gap between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo has been debunked, the discussions it sparked are far from over. The incident brings to light not just the complexities of salary negotiations in Hollywood but also the broader issues of pay inequality and representation in the entertainment industry. Whether or not Grande and Erivo were actually paid equally, the public’s concern over this rumor shows how deeply ingrained these issues are in the minds of moviegoers.
As Hollywood continues to evolve, one can only hope that this conversation leads to greater equity for all actors, regardless of their background or star status. If anything, the Wicked salary controversy has shown that fans are paying attention—and they’re not afraid to voice their concerns when they feel something isn’t right.
