‘Wicked’ Cast Salary Difference: Were Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Paid Equal?

As Evil Although the film is attracting huge numbers at the box office, rumors of a significant pay gap between the film’s two lead actors are dominating the social media landscape.

The film, which opened November 22, is a big-screen adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical Evila retelling of The Wizard of Oz It explores the origins of two legendary witches: Elphaba, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West (played by Cynthia Erivo), and Glinda, the Good Witch (Ariana Grande).

Also starring are Ethan Slater as Munchkin Boq, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Headmistress Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard.

Unsubstantiated rumors recently circulated on TikTok and Reddit that Grande was paid $15 million for her role in the Jon M. Chu-directed film, while Erivo took home a comparatively paltry $1 million. To give credibility to the talk, several media outlets reported on the rumors.

However, a spokesperson for Universal Pictures, which distributed the film, has denied the rumors and revealed that Grande and Erivo were paid the same salary.

“Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder,” the rep said The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday. “The women received equal pay for their work.” Evil.”

Newsweek has emailed representatives for Erivo and Grande for comment.

According to Box Office Mojo, Evil has joined the list of biggest theatrical releases of all time, ranking in the top 100. On the weekend of November 22-24, the film premiered to estimated domestic ticket sales of $114 million, which was its highest opening weekend in a year represents Broadway adaptation at the box office.

At press time: Evil has reached its 63rd highest-grossing opening weekend of all time in the US, surpassing the box office returns of big-screen hits like Toy Story 3, Shrek 2 And Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.

The film follows Wicked: Part Twowhose cinema premiere is scheduled for November 21, 2025.

In the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz– itself an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s novel – a key feature is Dorothy Gale’s magical ruby ​​slippers, which Glinda gave her to help her get home. However, in the newly published one EvilThe slippers are made of silver, which has been a topic of conversation on social media in recent days.

There are also a few surprise appearances elsewhere in the new film. When Elphaba and Glinda arrive in the capital of Oz, Emerald City, they are serenaded by a group of people. These characters include Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who played Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in the original 2003 Broadway production.

Like many big budget feature films before Evil was the focus of an international marketing push that included themed Starbucks drinks and featured Erivo and Grande appearing at various events. Actors who have already starred in the musical on Broadway also appeared at premiere events.