Universal Clarifies Pay Disparity Rumors Surrounding Wicked: Ariana Grande-Butera and Cynthia Erivo Received Equal Pay
Unsubstantiated claims have been circulating that leading actresses Ariana Grande-Butera and Cynthia Erivo did not receive equal pay for their roles in the new musical film Wicked. The rumor alleged that Grande-Butera earned $15 million for her role as Galinda, while Erivo received $1 million for her part as Elphaba.
However, Universal has issued a statement confirming that the reports of pay disparity are “completely false and based on internet fodder.” According to the studio, both actresses received equal pay for their work on Wicked.
The rumors likely stemmed from the significant box office numbers and the importance of the two lead characters in the film’s story. However, Universal’s statement emphasizes that the studio invested $350 million in the two-part musical from the start, making it unlikely that the leads would be paid unequally.
The confirmation of equal pay is a welcome development, as it dispels the rumor and highlights the hard work of both actresses. The film’s success is a testament to the dedication of its cast and crew, with Wicked: Part 2 set to be released on November 21, 2025.