- Social media sparked rumours Ariana Grande earned more than Cynthia Eviro
- Both actresses are starring in Wicked as Glinda and Elphaba
- Their payment was not disclosed by Universal Pictures
Wicked leading ladies Ariana Grande and Cynthia Eviro got paid the exact same amount for starring in the hit movie, reports say.
Universal confirmed the news after an internet rumour alleged that Grande received considerably more than Eviro. The prequel to the Judy Garland classic The Wizard of Oz is on track to be one of the biggest movies of the year.
It was argued that Grande’s pop career gave her more cash value to the film than Eviro’s musical theatre background.
People were under the impression that Grande pocketed $15 million to play Glinda the Good Witch, while Eviro only received $1 million as Elphaba.
What exactly did they say?
“Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder,” a rep for the studio said in a statement.
How much has Wicked made at the box office?
Well, it is still out in cinemas, so the total is still going up – but it is a lot so far. It’s opening weekend took in more than $194 million internationally.
Who else stars in Wicked?
Along with Eviro and Grande, who are both being lauded by the critics for their parts in the Broadway musical, the cast is incredibly star-studded. The Jon M. Chu-helmed movie musical features the likes of Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey and Bowen Yang.
Peppered in the cast is a number of performers plucked from London’s West End and Broadway scenes, like Ethan Slater. He grabbed headlines during filming for getting into a relationship with Grande.
Any other Wicked casting surprises?
Yes – the film even has cameos from the original Glinda and Elphaba, Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel.
The two actresses took on the roles when it opened on the Great White Way in 2003. The Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman show is based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel of the same name. This is, in turn, based on the L. Frank Baum’s novel that became the 1939 flick.
