Some on social media have been saying Ariana Grande got paid more for Wicked than her co-star Cynthia Erivo, but the movie’s studio is setting the record straight.
There have been rumours that Grande was paid as much as US$15 million ($23 million) for her role as Glinda, and Erivo received US$1 million ($1.54 million) for playing Elphaba.
But the studio is denying that.
“Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder,” a spokesperson for Universal said in a statement shared with several outlets. “The women received equal pay for their work on Wicked.”
CNN has reached out to Universal for comment.
Both women are being hailed for their performances in the Jon Chu-directed musical. Audiences have been flocking to theatres to enjoy what is the first part in a planned two-film franchise.
Wicked reportedly raked in an estimated US$162 million ($249.3 million) at the box office during opening weekend.
