A list of the Wicked cast’s alleged salaries has been released online
The rumoured salaries of Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been shared online and people have been taken aback by the vast difference.
Although the figures have turned out to be false, many fans have been taking to social media to discuss who has allegedly earned what – with some people especially concerned over Grande and Erivo’s reported salaries.
The movie adaptation starring Erivo, Grande and Bridgerton‘s Jonathan Bailey was released on Friday November 22 and has so far been receiving rave reviews from fans.
Grande and Erivo portray Glinda the Good Witch and outcast Elphaba, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name.
The musical is inspired by the 1995 book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the tale of the Wicked film looks at the origin story of the two powerful witches of Oz, and despite being from different backgrounds, the two forge an unlikely friendship that will steer the course of their lives.
Following the release of the movie, the rumoured salaries of each cast member has gone viral online but Universal has since denied these claims and stated the actors were paid equally.
The alleged list claims that Erivo was paid $1 million for her role, while Grande reportedly earned $15 million, according to Yahoo!
Meanwhile, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum reportedly earned $2 million each and Jonathan Bailey is said to have earned $450,000, the outlet further claims.
And people weren’t happy with the vast difference between Erivo and Grande’s reported salaries, with many claiming Erivo should have earned more.
One person tweeted: “Ariana getting paid over $10M more than Cynthia doesn’t sit right with me.”
While 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.”
And a third said: “I agree 100%, yes aris a big star but cynthia is the lead and deserved way more even if it wouldn’t be as much as ari.”
Meanwhile, others defended Grande’s alleged salary, with one adding: “Ariana is a superstar, pop star known world wide.
“She brings a whole fanbase with her to watch the movie. That’s how contract negotiations work. Cynthia does not have the same fanbase and notoriety.”
Another added: “Can yall for once think. She’s ARIANA GRANDE? One of the biggest pop stars of all time ofc she will be paid more than anyone else.”
A spokesperson for Universal told ABC News: “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.'”
