Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on Oct. 19, 2024 in Los Angeles.Photo:Emma McIntyre/Getty
Emma McIntyre/Getty
Ariana GrandeandCynthia Erivoweren’t just in sync on theWickedset— but prior to filming as well.
The actresses revealed in an interview withVarietypublished on Thursday, Jan. 2, that after being hired as the two leads of the film, they worked together to ensure that both of their needs were met on the set.
“We went through our contracts together and called each other up. ‘Did you see that? What do you think about that? Let’s get it together!,’ ” Grande, 31, recalled to the outlet.
“We both went through it — ‘What number are we doing? How do you feel about that?’ We were really f—— honest,” Erivo, 37, added. “And that’s really rare. People don’t do that.”
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo attend the ‘Journey Through Oz’ Tour at State Theatre on Nov. 3, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Don Arnold/WireImage
Don Arnold/WireImage
The “We Can’t Be Friends” singer noted that she wanted to make sure that her costar was just as happy with the final contract as she was — and teased that she may have amended some things to ensure they were both happy.
“We’re very different, but when we’re doing something like this together, her needs become my needs,” Grande said.
“And her needs become mine,” Erivo replied.
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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba in ‘Wicked,’ respectively.Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
This comes a few months after rumors circulated online that the stars of theJon M. Chu-led film had a large disparity in their payments for the film, with some reports speculating Grande was paid $15 million while Erivo got $1 million to play Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. However, Universal denied this in a statement.
A spokesperson for the company toldThe Hollywood Reporter, that the reports of the pay gap were “completely false and based on internet fodder” and that “the womenreceived equal pay for their workonWicked." Universal did not clarify how much each actress received, nor the exact amounts paid to the cast members.
Both Erivo and Grande have formed a strong bond while filming the movies,even getting matching tattoos to commemoratethe shared experience. The actresses have since opened up about their friendship in interviews discussingWicked.
Universal Studios
“I think that was one of my most cherished parts of this experience: I felt held and like I had a friend every step of the way,” Grande toldThe New York Timesof her friendship with Erivo. “I’m really proud of us for how genuinely we took care of each other throughout this whole time.”
Added Erivo, “I’m glad it was us.”
The second part ofWicked— titledWicked: For Good— is set to release in theaters on Nov. 21.
source: people.com
