The Wicked movie adaptation has been making waves, not just for its stunning visuals and powerhouse cast, but also for the buzz around how much those stars were paid. And let’s be real—when you’ve got Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo leading the charge, people are going to want to know the numbers. So, let’s break it all down: the rumors, the facts, and what everyone in Oz is taking home.
The Paycheck Drama That Wasn’t
First, let’s address the elephant in the Emerald City. Rumors were swirling that Ariana Grande, playing the sparkly and ever-so-good Glinda, raked in $15 million, while Cynthia Erivo, the green-skinned and gravity-defying Elphaba, only earned $1 million. Outrage ensued. But Universal Pictures quickly shut it down, calling the claims “completely false and based on internet fodder.” Turns out, both women were paid equally for their roles. Equality for the witches of Oz? We love to see it.
While the studio didn’t confirm exact figures, insiders suggest both Grande and Erivo earned around $10 million each. Not too shabby for a couple of witches, right?
What About the Rest of the Cast?
While Ariana and Cynthia’s paychecks grabbed the spotlight, the rest of the cast didn’t exactly walk away with Munchkin-sized salaries. Here’s the scoop on what the other stars reportedly earned:
- Ariana Grande (Glinda): $10 million. Grande’s star power and massive fanbase undoubtedly played a role in securing this hefty paycheck. Plus, she’s been manifesting this role for years—talk about a dream come true.
- Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba): $10 million. As a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner, Erivo brought her A-game to the role of Elphaba, and her paycheck reflects her incredible talent.
- Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard): $2 million. Goldblum’s iconic charm and the importance of his role as the Wizard of Oz earned him a solid payday.
- Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible): $2 million. Yeoh’s legendary career and commanding presence made her a perfect fit for the role—and her salary shows it.
- Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero): $450,000. As the dashing love interest of both Elphaba and Glinda, Bailey’s paycheck might be smaller, but his star is definitely on the rise.
- Ethan Slater (Boq): $350,000. Slater, best known for his Broadway turn as SpongeBob SquarePants, brought his theater chops to the role of Boq, the Munchkinlander who becomes the Tin Man.
- Bowen Yang (Pfannee): $250,000. The SNL star added his comedic flair to the role of one of Glinda’s friends, earning a respectable paycheck for his supporting role.
- Marissa Bode (Nessarose): $250,000. Bode made history as the first authentic wheelchair user to play Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister, and her salary reflects her groundbreaking role.
A Blockbuster Budget for a Blockbuster Film
With a production budget of $300 million (and that’s before the pink-and-green marketing blitz), Wicked was always destined to be a big deal. And the cast’s salaries reflect that. Plus, let’s not forget the possibility of backend deals—those juicy percentages of ticket sales that can turn a hefty paycheck into an even heftier one.
The decision to pay Grande and Erivo equally feels especially fitting for a story that’s all about fairness, friendship, and defying gravity (sorry, couldn’t resist). And with Wicked: Part One already smashing box office records, it’s clear that Universal’s investment in top-tier talent is paying off.
Fun Facts About Wicked
Now that we’ve covered the numbers, let’s dive into some fun behind-the-scenes details that make Wicked even more enchanting:
1. Ariana Grande Manifested This Role
Ariana Grande has been a Wicked superfan for years. She’s openly talked about her love for the musical and even performed “The Wizard and I” during a 2018 Wicked tribute concert. Landing the role of Glinda was a literal dream come true for her—and she reportedly cried tears of joy when she got the part.
2. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Bonded Over Five-Hour Chats
Before filming even began, Erivo and Grande met at Erivo’s house for a five-hour heart-to-heart. They also tested their vocals together at director Jon M. Chu’s home. Their chemistry and mutual respect were key to bringing the complex friendship of Elphaba and Glinda to life.
3. The Movie Was Filmed Back-to-Back
Wicked is being released in two parts, but both films were shot simultaneously. This ambitious approach allowed the cast to stay in character and maintain continuity across the two movies. Part One focuses on Act One of the Broadway musical, while Part Two will cover the second act.
4. The Budget Was Absolutely Bonkers
Universal reportedly spent $300 million on production alone for the two films. Add in the marketing budget (hello, pink-and-green everything), and this is one of the most expensive musical adaptations ever made. But with Wicked: Part One already smashing box office records, it seems like money well spent.
5. Michelle Yeoh’s Role Was Expanded
Madame Morrible, played by the legendary Michelle Yeoh, has a more prominent role in the film than in the stage version. Yeoh’s commanding presence and Oscar-winning talent made her a standout addition to the cast.
6. The Costumes Are Next-Level
The costume department went all out to bring the world of Oz to life. Glinda’s pink gowns are covered in Swarovski crystals, while Elphaba’s iconic black dress was designed to look like it was stitched together from scraps—symbolizing her outsider status.
7. The Wizard’s Throne Room Is a Visual Feast
Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard of Oz gets a throne room that’s as over-the-top as you’d expect. Think massive emerald chandeliers, intricate carvings, and enough green lighting to make you feel like you’re inside a gemstone.
8. The Cast Had to Learn Ozian
Yes, Ozian is a thing. The actors had to learn specific phrases and pronunciations to make the world of Oz feel authentic. Talk about dedication!
