Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were paid equally for their roles in the movie musical Wicked, according to a statement from a Universal spokesperson. Reports of pay disparity between the two actresses were dismissed as false, with sources confirming they received the same salary. Rumors circulating on social media about Grande making $15 million and Erivo earning $1 million were unsubstantiated. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, is based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire and features Erivo as Elphaba and Grande as Glinda. Wicked continues to break box office records, with a sequel set for release on November 21, 2025.