Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo shine in “Wicked: Part One,” the first installment of the beloved musical’s two-part film adaptation, bringing two of theater’s most iconic roles to life. While fans have celebrated their performances, rumors of a pay disparity between the actresses sparked conversation online.

The musical fantasy film reimagines the story of Elphaba and Glinda, two young women who start as rivals but develop an unlikely friendship at Shiz University in the Land of Oz.

Elphaba, ostracized for her green skin, and Glinda, celebrated for her charm, find their bond tested after a fateful meeting with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz changes their paths forever.

As the actresses embraced these transformative roles, they also shared personal reflections that deepened their connection to the project.

In a heartfelt joint interview with “Entertainment Tonight” ahead of the movie’s November 2024 release, Grande became emotional discussing her decision to use her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, in the credits.

When asked about her father’s reaction, she revealed, “He cried,” her voice breaking as she held Erivo’s hand. Grande explained that reclaiming her full name, which she had as a child when she first saw “Wicked,” brought her back to a place of self-discovery, helping her reconnect with the part of herself she felt had been lost in the industry.

Both actresses brought deeply personal experiences to their characters, adding layers of authenticity to the film’s themes of identity and acceptance.

She added that it was moving to know her portrayal could touch others who share similar feelings. “So, I feel like it is a bit of a hug for anyone who feels that way,” Erivo said, emphasizing the universal impact of Elphaba’s story.

In a separate interview, the British native reflected on Elphaba’s powerful declaration when she arrived at Shiz University, boldly stating, “Yes, she’s green, she’s not seasick, no, she didn’t eat grass as a child, and she’s always been green.”

She expressed admiration for these lines, saying, “I really love those lines… it immediately takes the ownership of who she is and what she is.”

Elphaba’s confidence in concluding, “‘and yes, I’ve been green my whole life,'” resonated deeply with Erivo, as she shared how it mirrors her own journey to embrace her identity, including her queerness.

“That quiet confidence… is something that I really wanted her to have,” she explained, highlighting the pride Elphaba embodies.

Erivo’s connection to Elphaba’s identity and resilience resonated not just with her but with audiences, who found new depth and relatability in her portrayal. Even on X, users shared their thoughts, highlighting how her performance brought a fresh perspective to the character.

The audience’s embrace of Erivo’s portrayal reflects the ongoing importance of diversity in casting, a topic Alexia Khadime, the only Black actress to play Elphaba full-time in “Wicked” on London’s West End, has also spoken about.

Building on this dialogue, Erivo recently addressed another layer of the conversation, speaking out against fan-made alterations to a “Wicked” film poster that altered her portrayal as Elphaba.

“I am a real life human being… to edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me,” she wrote, explaining the poster was meant to be an homage, not an imitation.

Erivo’s candid response to the altered poster reflects her broader fight for recognition and respect in her role, a struggle further complicated by rumors of a significant pay disparity between her and Grande.

The user also alleged that other co-stars were paid $2 million each, highlighting Erivo’s extensive credentials, including a Grammy and an Emmy, to argue that such a disparity was unjust.

One user laughed at the disparity, arguing that Erivo had the more demanding role, noting that she did her own stunts, unlike Grande, and spent more time on set. This added another layer to the conversation, as many questioned whether the effort and dedication required for the roles were reflected fairly in their compensation.

“She has no skills and forgets that Americans made her famous,” one user harshly claimed, referring to Grande. Others debated the fairness of the pay gap, with one writing, “Who is Cynthia?? That’s why!” while another added, “Ariana will bring all the watchers!”

Despite the heated online debate, it was later confirmed that there was no pay disparity between Erivo and Grande. A Universal spokesperson addressed the rumors, stating, “Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder. The women received equal pay for their work on ‘Wicked.'”

The confirmation of equal pay between Grande and Eviro settles the controversy, shifting focus back to the talent both actresses bring to Wicked. Their performances showcase the power of representation and artistry in film.