How Much Did Ariana Grande Get Paid for Wicked?
Want to know how much Ariana Grande was paid for Wicked? The debate around her salary and comparisons with Cynthia Erivo sparked intense discussions online.
Viral rumours claimed a massive pay disparity between the two leads, suggesting Ariana Grande earned significantly more than Cynthia Erivo.
With Universal addressing these claims and setting the record straight, we’ll cover everything about Ariana Grande’s salary, the official response, and the bigger picture around equal pay in Hollywood.
Key Takeaways
- Equal Pay Confirmed: Universal spokespersons stated that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo received the same amount for their roles in Wicked, dismissing rumours as completely false and based on internet fodder.
- No Exact Figures Released: While the exact dollar figure remains undisclosed, it’s confirmed that both women were paid equally for their work on the film adaptation.
- Box Office Success: With Wicked already achieving record-breaking box office numbers, both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo played vital roles in the film’s success.
The Rumoured Salary Gap Between Ariana and Cynthia
Initial reports claimed Ariana Grande was paid $15 million for her role as Glinda, the Good Witch, while Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, allegedly earned only $1 million.
These numbers sparked intense debate, with fans questioning why the two leads in such a major film adaptation wouldn’t earn the same amount.
Comments across social media called the pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana Grande unfair, with many expressing disappointment in what appeared to be unequal treatment.
Universal Confirms Ariana and Cynthia Were Paid Equally
As discussions continued to grow, a Universal spokesperson issued a statement to address the speculation.
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 statement made it clear that the viral salary figures were completely false and based on unverified sources. Both Cynthia and Ariana were compensated equally for their contributions to the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in history.
Why Did the Pay Rumours Gain Attention?
Hollywood has long faced criticism over pay disparity, especially when it comes to women receiving equal pay in blockbuster productions.
The rumours about Ariana Grande’s pay gained traction because of her global celebrity status and massive fanbase, which some assumed would justify a larger paycheck.
At the same time, Cynthia Erivo’s role as Elphaba is arguably the lead role in the story, leading fans to question the fairness of the initial claims.
This mix of online speculation, fan opinions, and historical inequalities in Hollywood kept the debate alive until Universal addressed the claims.
How Much Did Ariana Grande Actually Get Paid?
Despite Universal addressing the rumours, the exact dollar figure for Ariana Grande’s salary remains undisclosed.
In high-profile productions like Wicked, it’s common for salary details to stay confidential. What we do know is that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were paid the same amount for their roles as Glinda and Elphaba.
The success of the film at the box office, grossing over $160 million during its opening weekend, proves the value both actresses brought to the production.
Salaries of the Wicked Supporting Cast
While the spotlight has been on Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, there’s been additional interest in the salaries of other key cast members:
| Actor | Role | Reported Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Michelle Yeoh | Madame Morrible | $2 million |
| Jeff Goldblum | The Wizard | $2 million |
| Jonathan Bailey | Prince Fiyero | $450,000 |
| Ethan Slater | Boq | $350,000 |
These figures remain speculative, but they provide insight into the pay structure for principal roles in this film adaptation.
The Importance of Equal Pay in Hollywood
The confirmation that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were paid the same amount is a significant step forward for women receiving equal pay in Hollywood.
Under the direction of Jon M. Chu, the production aimed to value both leads equally, recognising the talent and contributions each brought to their roles.
This also reinforces the importance of addressing online speculation with clarity, ensuring that conversations about pay disparity are grounded in facts rather than internet fodder.
Overall
Overall, we know that Universal confirmed both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo received equal pay for their roles as Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked.
Despite the exact dollar figure being undisclosed, reports of pay disparity were debunked as completely false.
This commitment to equal pay reflects a positive step forward in Hollywood, as Wicked Part One continues to perform well at the box office.
FAQs
Did Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo receive equal pay for Wicked?
Yes, Universal confirmed that women received equal pay for their roles in the film, and reports of pay disparity are completely false.
How much did Ariana Grande get paid for Wicked?
The exact dollar figure hasn’t been disclosed, but Universal confirmed that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were paid the same amount.
Why were there rumours about Ariana Grande’s salary?
The rumours stemmed from internet fodder and viral claims suggesting Grande was paid 15 million compared to Erivo’s $1 million.
Who directed Wicked?
The film was directed by Jon M. Chu.
When was the Wicked movie released?
The first part of Wicked was released in November 2024, with the second part, Wicked: For Good, set for November 2025.
