The studio confirms equal pay for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in the film countering rumors of a pay gap. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, enjoys a record-breaking opening weekend, highlighting its success and the studio's commitment to equality.
- Universal confirms equal pay after controversy
- 'Wicked' has achieved a record-breaking debut
- A new sequel is now slated for 2025 release
Universal Confirms Equal Pay
Universal Pictures has officially addressed speculation surrounding the salaries of "Wicked" stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. In a rare statement, the studio confirmed that both actresses received equal compensation for their roles in the film.
This announcement came after online rumors suggested a significant pay disparity, with some claiming Grande earned 15 million while Erivo received only 1 million. "Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder," stated a Universal spokesperson. Despite clarifying the pay issue, the studio did not disclose the exact figures.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, 'Wicked' opened to impressive box office numbers, earning 112 million domestically and 164 million globally over the weekend. These figures make it the third-best domestic debut of the year and the highest for a Broadway adaptation.
The film, which is an adaptation of the first act of the popular Broadway show, explores the backstory of "Elphaba" and "Galinda" before they become the "Wicked Witch of the West" and "Glinda the Good", respectively.
The narrative intertwines with the events of 'The Wizard of Oz,' offering audiences a fresh perspective on the beloved tale.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shine in their roles respectively. Erivo's portrayal of "Elphaba" is powerful, her voice rich with emotion as she navigates the challenges faced by her character. Grande, on the other hand, showcases her impressive vocal range and comedic talent, adding layers to "Galinda's" character. Their chemistry is palpable, and their evolving friendship forms the heart of the film.
The movie's color palette, initially a clash of green and pink, symbolizes their contrasting personalities, which eventually harmonize as their bond deepens.
The film's choreography, led by Christopher Scott, and cinematography by Alice Brooks, further enhance the magical atmosphere. Jonathan Bailey, as Prince Fiyero, also captivates with his dynamic performance, particularly in a complex song-and-dance sequence set in a college library.
While some scenes may indulge in CGI spectacle, the film largely succeeds in capturing the essence of its stage predecessor. At times, the narrative could benefit from tighter editing, as the running time of this first installment exceeds that of the entire stage production. Nonetheless, 'Wicked' the movie takes flight, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the second half of this enchanting tale.
Following the success of the first film, anticipation builds for 'Wicked: Part Two,' which is set to hit theaters in 2025. Universal has invested a substantial $300 million in producing the two-part film series, excluding the extensive marketing campaign that vividly features pink and green themes.
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This ambitious project underscores the studio's commitment to bringing the enchanting world of "Wicked" to life on the big screen. As the story continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the equal pay announcement further emphasizes Universal's dedication to fairness and equality in its productions.
