icked is the movie of the moment, with impressive box office earnings in Italy and worldwide. Here’s how much Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo reportedly earned and why there’s talk of disparity.
Wicked: How Much Did Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Earn?
The film Wicked is also proving to be a success in Italy, bringing back to theaters—like a sort of prequel—one of the most beloved children’s stories of all time: The Wizard of Oz.
Specifically, Wicked is the cinematic adaptation of the namesake musical by Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz, itself based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
In this adaptation, Ariana Grande takes on the role of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, while Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba Thropp, the future Wicked Witch of the West.
After just one week in Italian theaters, Wicked has grossed €1.4 million, while in the United States, it has earned a staggering $114 million, even surpassing the blockbuster Gladiator 2 during the same period.
But how much did Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo earn for their roles in Wicked? Let’s delve into the reported earnings of the film’s stars, amid rumors circulating in the US about a significant disparity in their pay.
Wicked: How Much Did Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Earn?
Wicked is a true Hollywood blockbuster. Filming took years, partly due to the writers’ strike, and the movie was split into two parts, with the second installment scheduled for release in November 2025.
The Broadway musical, on which the film is based, was one of the most successful productions in history. The film’s producers spared no expense, allocating a $145 million budget to the project.
Thanks to its strong debut, Wicked has already recouped its production costs after just one week, solidifying its status as one of the top box office hits of the holiday season.
However, controversy has erupted in the US regarding the salaries of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Online rumors suggested a dramatic pay disparity, with reports claiming Grande earned $15 million while Erivo received just $1 million.
The allegations, widely circulated on TikTok and Reddit, were addressed by major outlets like the New York Post and subsequently dismissed. A Universal spokesperson stated:
“The reports of a pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on unreliable internet sources. The two women received equal pay for their roles in Wicked.”
While it appears that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo earned equal compensation for their performances, the exact amounts remain undisclosed at this time.
Original article published on Money.it Italy 2024-11-27 13:59:35. Original title: Wicked, quanto hanno guadagnato Ariana Grande e Cynthia Erivo? Negli Usa è polemica
