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Director Jon M. Chu’s hit movie musicalWickedbeing out and reigning in the theaters, got fans and media to talk about the film and its cast. Given the staggering opening weekend box office earnings of the film, people got curious to know more about theWickedleads, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s salary.
Surprisingly, while Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have double billing for theWickedmovie, it seemed like one was getting paid several times more than the other. According to reports, as both stars got paid very different amounts for their respective roles of Glinda and Elphaba, netizens voiced their concerns about the horrible Hollywood trend.
Massive Disparity Between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’sWickedPaychecks
With Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of theBroadway showWickedout in theaters, fans are more than ready to learn about the story of how the Wicked Witch of the West got so wicked. But more than the narrative, people seem interested in learning about the cost of bringing the story to life on the silver screen.
“I really don’t like musicals…”: Adele’s Jaw-dropping Reaction to Ariana Grande’s ‘Wicked’ Proves The Film Has Nailed 1 Thing Even Before Release
Considering howVarietyrevealed that the two-part musical has been made with an average budget of $150M/film,Wickedis said to have already made aglobal debut with $165M. Therefore, now that the film has already earned back its estimated production budget, fans are inclined towards the cast’s salary.
Well, whileAriana Grandeand Cynthia Erivo are said to have earned top billing,Showbiz Galorerevealed that Grande reportedly earned the most at $15M. Meanwhile, Erivo received merely $1M for her part as Elphaba. While the 37-year-old actress’ salary raised eyebrows, what left fans baffled was how Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum were reportedly offered $2M each, despite not being the lead stars in the film.
Netizens Raised Concerns for Cynthia Erivo’s Significantly Low Salary
This particular salary disparity among theWickedcast sparked debate online, leading fans to voice their concerns on how Cynthia Erivo deserved way more than just $1M for playing Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Considering how the actress captivated audiences with her enticing performance, netizens rallied behind Erivo.
While clarifying that each actor received their deserved salary except forCynthia Erivo, people highlighted the horrible Hollywood trend of salary disparity based on skin color, race, ethnicity, and gender. Considering how the film has already earned more than its production budget, fans believe it’s time to revise Erivo’s paycheck.
I would like you all to know that Cynthia is very well known actress especially in the UK. Regardless she’s 1 award away from being the youngest person to reach EGOT ever. I really think she deserved at least $5M
Least? At least? She’s not even get that???!! Well Damn
That’s wtf I’m saying!!!! A cool 5-7 million would’ve been okay at best!!! Or to make it even better a nice 10 million just 5 million less than Ariana!! But honestly the story is mainly about Elphaba so she should’ve gotten paid the full 15 million too! 😭
wait ur Telling me shes not even earning half of what ariana’s getting ?
Especially when Wicked is (at its core and concept) more Elphaba’s story than Glinda’s
Considering how the film largely focuses on Elphaba, fans noted thatCynthia Erivo deserved equal payas Ariana Grande, if not more. However, given how the7 Ringssinger was offered massive compensation based on her international fame, netizens called out the injustice and slammed Hollywood stereotypes.
Wickedis currently running at theaters worldwide.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
