Fans are certain that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have a big pay gap in Wicked (Picture: AP)
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo star in the blockbuster film Wicked that’s smashed the box office, but fans are convinced there’s a shocking pay gap between the two main leads.
Wicked has been a sensational hit that made $165 million in its opening weekend and was made all the better by a baffling press tour filled with emotional outbursts from the lead stars.
In the film, Cynthia, 37 plays the lead Wicked Witch of the West Elphaba Thropp while Ariana, 31, plays Glinda Upland.
The two members of the cast are the leads of the film, but fans are convinced that there’s inequality off-stage with rumours that the God is a Woman singer is being paid more than the Broadway icon.
Showbiz Galore alleged that while Ariana was paid $ 15 million, Cynthia was paid $1 million.
The news shocked fans who pointed out that while Ariana may have made her name as a famous popstar, Cynthia has many accolades including a Tony, an Emmy, a Grammy, and an Academy Award nomination for the Harriet Tubman biopic, Harriet.
The duo have been sold as the joint leads of the production (Picture: Universal Pictures)
The same publication also suggested that Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz were both paid $2 million each.
It was suggested that Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar was paid $450,000,Ethan Slater as Boq was paid $350,000, and Bowen Yang as Pfannee was paid $250,000.
it’s thought there might be over $10 million difference in pay (Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP File)
Fans took to the internet to share their shock at the news, assuming that it was verified and that the pay gap was a shocking display of inequality between a Black queer actress and a white actress.
‘Pay discrepancy between Cynthia Erivo and ariana grande for wicked is quite literally insane,’ said bellabaxxter on X.
‘Pay Cynthia Erivo better!!! @UniversalPics She carried the film with Ari!!!! #Wicked#WickedMovie#ELPHABA,’ johnctoledo commented.
‘Cynthia erivo only got paid $1M for wicked?!?!??!?’ said diyaasanaa.
Fans were outraged by the rumours (Picture: AP)
Other fans were more dubious and convinced that neither lead stars would accept the huge pay gap.
‘Critical thinking in the toilet because that supposed Wicked salary list is an internet rumour, unsourced, unconfirmed and as if Cynthia Erivo would accept that set up,’ Mlothianmclean commented.
‘Ooooh do we have sources for cynthia’s and ariana’s salaries for wicked cause that is not looking good,’ commented SNOOPYSD0GHOUSE.
Others highlighted that if the rumours are in fact true it may have been because the actress decided to take a percentage deal rather than a flat-out fee, which would mean she is entitled to a percentage of the box office earnings plus her base rate.
Metro has contacted representatives for Wicked and Universal Pictures for comment.
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