The release of Wicked has taken the world by storm, with rave reviews and high anticipation for the film adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical. Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the story of two powerful witches from Oz has drawn in audiences worldwide. However, behind the glittering success of the movie, a controversy has been brewing regarding the alleged pay disparity between the two leading stars. While the figures in question have since been debunked, the speculation has stirred up a heated debate online, with fans divided over the reported salary difference.
The Alleged Pay Gap: What’s the Controversy?
Soon after Wicked hit theaters, rumors began circulating about the salaries of the lead actresses. According to an alleged report, Cynthia Erivo, known for her powerhouse vocals and stage presence, was paid just $1 million for her role as Elphaba. Meanwhile, Ariana Grande, the global pop sensation and former Victorious star, was said to have earned a staggering $15 million for her portrayal of Glinda. Fans were immediately taken aback by this massive pay gap between the two actresses, and social media exploded with reactions.
Why the Pay Disparity Upset Fans
For many fans, the most glaring issue was the perceived injustice in the salaries, with many arguing that Erivo, as the film’s lead, should have earned as much as, if not more than, Grande. The backlash was swift, with people taking to Twitter and other social media platforms to voice their opinions. One user tweeted, “Ariana getting paid over $10M more than Cynthia doesn’t sit right with me.” Another added, “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.”
The argument centered on the fact that Elphaba’s character, with her complex backstory and arc, is often seen as the emotional core of the Wicked story, while Glinda’s role, although important, is more of a supporting one. Fans felt that Erivo’s performance was central to the plot, and thus, her compensation should reflect that. One fan pointed out, “Cynthia is the lead and deserved way more, even if it wouldn’t be as much as Ari.”
Ariana Grande’s Role and Star Power
On the other hand, some fans defended Ariana Grande’s reportedly higher salary, pointing out her immense global popularity as a pop star. Grande, who has sold millions of albums worldwide and boasts a massive social media following, brings with her an established fanbase that will undoubtedly drive people to the theaters. “Ariana is a superstar, pop star known worldwide. She brings a whole fanbase with her to watch the movie. That’s how contract negotiations work,” one Twitter user commented.
Another user pointed out, “Can y’all for once think? She’s ARIANA GRANDE — one of the biggest pop stars of all time. Of course, she will be paid more than anyone else.” From this perspective, Grande’s higher pay is seen as a result of her proven ability to attract audiences, both in music and now in film.
The Truth Behind the Numbers: Universal Denies Salary Disparity
In a surprising twist, the rumored salary figures were quickly debunked. A spokesperson for Universal Pictures issued a statement to ABC News clarifying the situation. The spokesperson stated, “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.'” This announcement put an end to the speculation, confirming that both actresses were compensated fairly and equally for their roles in the film.
People weren’t happy with the alleged difference in salary (Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Despite the official clarification, the controversy has highlighted deeper issues surrounding the entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to pay disparity between male and female actors, as well as the differences in salary between established pop stars and Broadway veterans.
The Role of Star Power in Movie Salaries
While both Grande and Erivo are accomplished in their respective fields, the difference in their public profiles cannot be ignored. Grande’s pop career has catapulted her to international fame, while Erivo, despite her undeniable talent and critical acclaim, does not have the same global recognition. This disparity in fame often influences pay negotiations in Hollywood, where star power and box office potential are key factors in determining an actor’s salary.
In Wicked’s case, Grande’s role as Glinda, though crucial, is seen through the lens of her worldwide fanbase, which translates to a large audience draw. The film’s producers likely saw Grande as a major box office asset, just as they would a well-known action star or dramatic lead. On the other hand, Erivo, though equally talented and deserving, does not carry the same level of commercial appeal in the eyes of some producers and studios, especially in a blockbuster movie adaptation.
The pair star together in the new Wicked adaptation (Universal Pictures)
The Bigger Picture: Addressing Industry Inequality
This debate over pay disparity also touches on broader issues of gender and race in Hollywood. Cynthia Erivo, an African American woman, has faced challenges in the industry despite her immense talent. While Ariana Grande has enjoyed immense commercial success, the conversation about Erivo’s role in Wicked serves as a reminder of the unequal pay gaps that still persist in Hollywood, particularly for women of color.
In recent years, the issue of pay disparity has been a hot topic, with high-profile actresses like Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone speaking out about their own experiences with unequal pay in comparison to their male counterparts. The public’s reaction to the alleged salary difference between Grande and Erivo only underscores the ongoing need for greater transparency and equity when it comes to compensation in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Hollywood Pay Disparities
Although the rumors surrounding the salaries of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were false, the reaction from fans reveals a larger conversation about the entertainment industry’s treatment of talent, race, and gender. While both actresses are incredibly talented in their own right, the initial pay disparity claims sparked an important discussion about the factors that influence an actor’s salary and the need for equal pay, regardless of one’s fame or background.
In the end, Universal’s statement may have cleared the air regarding Wicked‘s casting salaries, but the debate over Hollywood’s pay structure continues. Fans and critics alike are calling for more accountability and fairness, not just for Grande and Erivo, but for all artists working in the industry today.
