Ariana Grande makes 15 times more than Cynthia Erivo in Wicked salaries

The new two-part cinema adaptation of Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, was released last week in the United States, with a second part scheduled to debut in November next year. The film prominently features Ariana Grande as Glinda, the Good Witch, and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Following the release, rumored salary figures for the two actresses surfaced online, leading to significant discussions about the apparent pay gap between them. Reports indicate that while Cynthia Erivo, as the lead, earned around $1 million, Ariana Grande, in a supporting role, reportedly negotiated a staggering salary of $15 million, raising eyebrows about industry standards regarding pay equity and popularity. Additional cast members, including Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, are said to be earning $2 million each for their roles in the film. Discussions around these salary disclosures have underscored the notion that acting salaries are frequently tied to the star power of the individuals rather than solely their talent or performance capabilities. Observers have pointed out that Ariana Grande's extensive fan base, built through her career in music and past acting roles, particularly on Nickelodeon, likely contributed to her ability to secure a higher salary. This revelation spurred social media reactions, with fans noting that the disparity reflects broader issues within Hollywood regarding how pay is determined. Furthermore, some rumors suggest that Ariana may have shared part of her earnings with Cynthia, aiming to boost her co-star's salary, although these claims remain unconfirmed. The musical Wicked has been a significant facet of theater since its inception on Broadway in 2003, attracting interest for its engaging story and themes of friendship, power, and societal judgment, particularly in the wake of its latest cinematic adaptation.