Leaked Salaries Of Ariana Grande And Cynthia Erivo For Wicked Spark Debate Over 'Unfair' Pay Gap

The rumored salaries for the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Wicked have ignited a heated discussion online. Reports claim a striking disparity between the paychecks of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, fueling criticism over perceived inequities in Hollywood’s compensation practices.

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The Alleged Salary Breakdown

According to leaked reports, Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West), is earning $1 million, while Ariana Grande, cast as Glinda (the Good Witch), is allegedly pocketing a staggering $15 million. This massive gap has drawn widespread backlash, with fans questioning its fairness.

Other notable salaries reportedly include:

Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible) and Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard): $2 million each
Jonathan Bailey (Prince Fiyero): $450,000
Ethan Slater (Boq): $350,000
Marissa Bode and Bowen Yang: $250,000 each

Fan Reactions and Social Media Backlash

The leaked figures sparked intense debate on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). One user expressed disbelief, stating, “I’m uncomfortable with Ariana making over $10 million more than Cynthia…” Others echoed similar sentiments, labeling the pay gap as “ridiculous” and even “demonic.”

However, some users defended Grande’s higher salary. They argued that her star power and massive fan base justify the figure. A supporter noted, “Ariana’s fame will draw audiences to the film. Hollywood salaries often reflect marketability, not just talent.”

Another commenter elaborated, “The paycheck isn’t about skill alone. It’s about how many seats Ariana’s name will fill. With her Nickelodeon background and chart-topping albums, she’s a guaranteed box office draw.”

Ariana’s Potential Support for Erivo

Amid the controversy, there have been unconfirmed rumors that Grande might voluntarily share a portion of her earnings to help close the gap with Erivo. However, no official statement has corroborated this claim.

The Legacy of Wicked

Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, debuted on Broadway in 2003. The musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, reimagines the story of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the witches. It explores themes of friendship, power, and societal judgment.

The first part of the film adaptation is set to premiere this year, with the second installment expected in November 2025. Fans eagerly anticipate whether the on-screen chemistry between Grande and Erivo will transcend the off-screen salary drama.

The Wicked salary revelations have ignited important discussions about Hollywood’s compensation practices. While Ariana Grande’s fame is undeniable, the stark pay disparity raises questions about fairness in an industry where both star power and talent should ideally play a role in determining salaries.