The salary disparity between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in ‘Wicked’ is “definitely real.”

The highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation has already captured the public’s attention with its star-studded cast and elaborate production. However, behind the scenes, controversy brews over reports of a significant salary disparity between its two leading stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Fans and industry insiders are questioning whether this pay gap highlights a larger issue of inequality in Hollywood.

The Stars of Wicked

Ariana Grande, one of the most successful pop icons of the last decade, takes on the role of Glinda, while Cynthia Erivo, a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress, stars as Elphaba. Both roles are pivotal to the beloved story, yet reports suggest that their paychecks are worlds apart.
Insiders claim Grande’s paycheck far surpasses Erivo’s, sparking debates about whether the disparity is justified by their respective star power or indicative of systemic bias.

Why the Pay Gap?

Industry experts speculate that Grande’s massive following and established career in both music and television contribute to her higher salary. With over 370 million Instagram followers and a global fanbase, Grande’s name alone is a major draw for Wicked.
However, many argue that Cynthia Erivo’s extensive theater experience and Oscar-nominated acting credentials make her equally deserving of a comparable salary. Erivo, who has proven her versatility across stage and screen, is widely regarded as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

Hollywood’s Persistent Pay Gap

This controversy is not new in Hollywood, where pay gaps between co-stars—particularly between women of color and their white counterparts—remain an ongoing issue. Advocates for equal pay in the industry emphasize the importance of transparency and fairness, especially in projects as high-profile as Wicked.

While neither Grande nor Erivo has addressed the claims, the salary disparity highlights broader questions about fairness in the entertainment industry. As fans eagerly await Wicked, the behind-the-scenes drama serves as a reminder of the systemic challenges Hollywood still faces.