Ariana Grande-Butera reached out to Cynthia Erivo throughoutWicked’s contract negotiations to ensure that she and her co-star received equal pay and fair treatment. The 2024 movie brings the stage musical exploring the origins ofThe Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West (known here as Elphaba, played by Erivo) to the big screen. Aspart of theWickedcast, Grande-Butera portrays Galinda Upland, a young new student of Shiz University hoping to learn sorcery who will one day become Glinda the Good Witch.
Following much discussion surrounding a potential pay discrepancy between Grande-Butera and Erivo for their roles inWicked, the former addressed the matter withVariety. Grande-Butera recollected thatshe reached out to Erivo before signing any agreementto learn what she had received in her contract, discussing even the smallest details with her fellow star. She said:
When I got my contract, I called [Erivo], and was like, ‘Hey let’s go through this thing. Let’s go beat by beat through this together and verify we are aligned in what we need.' If [Erivo needs] something, we need it together.I want us to have each other’s backs.Your problems become my problems and mine become yours.
What Grande-Butera’s Response Means For Wicked’s Pay Controversy
Grande-Butera And Erivo Have A Close Bond Off-Screen
Grande-Butera’s response is another firm refutation of the widespread internet speculation that arose prior tothe release ofWicked. Initial word of mouth suggested Grande-Butera received $15 million for her involvement, while Erivo was set to only receive $1 million in comparison, despite being considered the ostensible lead. However,Universal quickly came out to dispel the rumorswith various outlets soon after, assuring each star had received equal pay.
The roles of Elphaba and Glinda are often considered co-leads, but Erivo will compete in Leading categories for awards, while Grande-Butera will be Supporting.
Grande-Butera’s further statement not only sets out to clarify that each star received equal pay for their work, but that they would also get equal, fair treatment on set too. Furthermore, both Grande-Butera and Erivo have been shown to have a close bond throughout the press tour forWicked, suggesting that they developed a firm friendship throughout production. As such, it is clear that the pair have a great deal of affection towards one another,adding further weight to both Grande-Butera’s recollection and the movie itself, which revolves around their characters' friendship.
Our Take On The Supposed Wicked Pay Discrepancy
Both Stars Gave Their Best In The Feature And Deserve To Be Compensated Equally
If the rumors surroundingWicked’s pay disparity were true, it would be a massive upheaval that cast a shadow over both the movie andthe upcomingWicked: Part Two. Both Grande-Butera and Erivo deliver the movie’s strongest performances, and their chemistry both on-screen and off has added to its acclaim, with both receiving considerable Oscar buzz. They should both be treated as equals, regardless of the fact that Grande-Butera is arguably the bigger name between the two.
Though the rumors were already dubious and Universal had already debunked them,Grande-Butera’s statement is a welcome clarificationthat should settle the discourse. WithWickedperforming strongly at the box office, it is clear that the production will be a highlight of each star’s filmography, and one that could lead to further acclaim and prospects.
Wicked
Cast
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
