The rumored earnings of “Wicked” actors Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have surfaced online, sparking surprise due to the significant disparity between the two figures.
While these numbers remain unverified, fans are actively discussing the purported earnings on social media, with particular attention on the reported paychecks of Grande and Erivo.
The film adaptation, featuring Erivo, Grande, and Jonathan Bailey from “Bridgerton,” premiered on Friday, November 22, and has been met with enthusiastic acclaim from audiences.
Grande and Erivo take on the roles of Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, in this cinematic version of the popular Broadway musical.
The stage production is based on the 1995 novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” authored by Gregory Maguire.
Jon M. Chu directs the “Wicked” film, which delves into the backstory of the two renowned witches of Oz. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they develop an unexpected friendship that profoundly impacts their lives.
After the movie’s debut, the rumored compensation for each actor has gained widespread attention online.
It remains unclear where these figures originated, and UNILAD has contacted Universal for clarification.
The alleged figures suggest that Erivo received $1 million for her role, while Grande reportedly earned $15 million, as noted by Yahoo!
Additionally, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum are said to have been compensated $2 million each, while Jonathan Bailey reportedly earned $450,000, according to the same source.
The stark contrast in Erivo and Grande’s reported pay has sparked discontent among some, who argue that Erivo deserved a higher salary.
One individual tweeted: “Ariana getting paid over $10M more than Cynthia doesn’t sit right with me.”
Another commented: “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.”
A third person chimed in: “I agree 100%, yes Ari is a big star but Cynthia is the lead and deserved way more even if it wouldn’t be as much as Ari.”
Conversely, some have defended Grande’s compensation, with one person noting: “Ariana is a superstar, pop star known worldwide.
“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 supporter commented: “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.”