Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo shine in “Wicked: Part One,” the first installment of the beloved musical’s two-part film adaptation, bringing two of theater’s most iconic roles to life.
While fans have celebrated their performances, rumors of a pay disparity between the actresses sparked conversation online.
The musical fantasy film reimagines the story of Elphaba and Glinda, two young women who start as rivals but develop an unlikely friendship at Shiz University in the Land of Oz.
Elphaba, ostracized for her green skin, and Glinda, celebrated for her charm, find their bond tested after a fateful meeting with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz changes their paths forever.
As the actresses embraced these transformative roles, they also shared personal reflections that deepened their connection to the project.
In a heartfelt joint interview with “Entertainment Tonight” ahead of the movie’s November 2024 release, Grande became emotional discussing her decision to use her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, in the credits.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo attend the European premiere of “Wicked: Part One,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
When asked about her father’s reaction, she revealed, “He cried,” her voice breaking as she held Erivo’s hand. Grande explained that reclaiming her full name, which she had as a child when she first saw “Wicked,” brought her back to a place of self-discovery, helping her reconnect with the part of herself she felt had been lost in the industry.
She expressed profound gratitude for how the project helped her return to her roots. Grande’s emotional connection to her role and her journey of self-discovery were matched by Erivo’s own reflections on playing Elphaba.
Both actresses brought deeply personal experiences to their characters, adding layers of authenticity to the film’s themes of identity and acceptance.
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Erivo tearfully shared how portraying Elphaba resonated with her as someone who has experienced feeling out of place. “I know what it feels like not feeling like there is a room for you,” she said, describing the role as a “wonderful opportunity” to channel that vulnerability into her performance.
She added that it was moving to know her portrayal could touch others who share similar feelings. “So, I feel like it is a bit of a hug for anyone who feels that way,” Erivo said, emphasizing the universal impact of Elphaba’s story.
In a separate interview, the British native reflected on Elphaba’s powerful declaration when she arrived at Shiz University, boldly stating, “Yes, she’s green, she’s not seasick, no, she didn’t eat grass as a child, and she’s always been green.”
She expressed admiration for these lines, saying, “I really love those lines… it immediately takes the ownership of who she is and what she is.”
Cynthia Erivo attends the Academy Museum Gala on October 19, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Elphaba’s confidence in concluding, “‘and yes, I’ve been green my whole life,’” resonated deeply with Erivo, as she shared how it mirrors her own journey to embrace her identity, including her queerness.
“That quiet confidence… is something that I really wanted her to have,” she explained, highlighting the pride Elphaba embodies.
“I’ve had some time to reckon with the skin I’m in…to really own who I am,” the movie star further explained how being herself inspired the role.
Erivo’s connection to Elphaba’s identity and resilience resonated not just with her but with audiences, who found new depth and relatability in her portrayal. Even on X, users shared their thoughts, highlighting how her performance brought a fresh perspective to the character.
“Elphaba being played by a Black woman added depth and relatability to her character!” one user remarked. Another responded, “Elphaba’s life experience mirrors the reality for many black women as well as anyone else who’s been made to feel they don’t belong or been punished for the sins of others.” A third user emphasized, “You really gotta give it to a Black actress—Elphaba’s story is rooted in themes of racism.”
The audience’s embrace of Erivo’s portrayal reflects the ongoing importance of diversity in casting, a topic Alexia Khadime, the only Black actress to play Elphaba full-time in “Wicked” on London’s West End, has also spoken about.
She shared her experience of facing racism during her time in the role. The actress recalled being accused of “taking away white roles” and drew parallels to similar backlash faced by Black actors in other iconic roles, calling the criticisms “silly and ridiculous.”
Building on this dialogue, Erivo recently addressed another layer of the conversation, speaking out against fan-made alterations to a “Wicked” film poster that altered her portrayal as Elphaba.
Fans had photoshopped her image to match the Broadway version, lowering her hat and adding bold lipstick, which Erivo called degrading and deeply hurtful.
“I am a real life human being… to edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me,” she wrote, explaining the poster was meant to be an homage, not an imitation.
While she acknowledged having “a human moment” in her reaction, Erivo stood by her statement, highlighting how such changes diminish her work and identity.
Erivo’s candid response to the altered poster reflects her broader fight for recognition and respect in her role, a struggle further complicated by rumors of a significant pay disparity between her and Grande.
The controversy gained traction after a TikTok user claimed Grande earned $15 million for the film, while Erivo received only $1 million, despite having “identical roles.”
The user also alleged that other co-stars were paid $2 million each, highlighting Erivo’s extensive credentials, including a Grammy and an Emmy, to argue that such a disparity was unjust.
Another TikTok user suggested Grande’s higher pay was due to her massive fanbase, claiming her name alone would make fans flock to the cinema. However, the user also acknowledged the unfairness toward Erivo, emphasizing that she is a highly accomplished and credible star in her own right.
One user laughed at the disparity, arguing that Erivo had the more demanding role, noting that she did her own stunts, unlike Grande, and spent more time on set. This added another layer to the conversation, as many questioned whether the effort and dedication required for the roles were reflected fairly in their compensation.
The conversation about the alleged pay disparity between Grande and Erivo spilled onto X, where users shared their opinions in a mix of frustration and support for Erivo.
“She has no skills and forgets that Americans made her famous,” one user harshly claimed, referring to Grande. Others debated the fairness of the pay gap, with one writing, “Who is Cynthia?? That’s why!” while another added, “Ariana will bring all the watchers!”
Several comments called for equity, such as, “They should have gotten paid the same!” while another pointed out, “The max pay gap should be $1 million.” Meanwhile, another summarized the divide succinctly, “She’s more famous and has a huge army of fans who will watch because their favorite singer is in it.”
Despite the heated online debate, it was later confirmed that there was no pay disparity between Erivo and Grande. A Universal spokesperson addressed the rumors, stating, “Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder. The women received equal pay for their work on ‘Wicked.’”
Insiders confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that both actresses were paid equally for their roles in Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked,” dispelling the widespread speculation and resolving the controversy.
The confirmation of equal pay between Grande and Eviro settles the controversy, shifting focus back to the talent both actresses bring to Wicked. Their performances showcase the power of representation and artistry in film.
