**Jonathan Bailey Teases ‘Darker’ Political Turn in Wicked Sequel Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo**
Jonathan Bailey, celebrated for his role in Bridgerton, has shared new insights into the highly anticipated sequel to the Wicked film adaptation, promising a markedly darker tone and the inclusion of more overtly political themes. Bailey, who assumes the role of Prince Fiyero, discussed his experiences on set and offered glimpses into the evolving narrative during an exclusive interview with British GQ.
The upcoming sequel, entitled *Wicked: For Good*, is set to continue the reimagined tale drawn from both the legendary stage musical and its literary origins. Alongside Bailey, the film sees powerhouse performances from Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop sensation Ariana Grande taking on the role of Glinda. These adaptations trace their roots to Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, itself a radical interpretation of L. Frank Baum’s iconic Oz universe, cemented in popular culture by the beloved 1939 film adaptation featuring Judy Garland.
During the interview, Bailey offered a candid behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. He recounted the surreal atmosphere on set, saying: “We were just off the M1 in Munchkinland, with Ariana belting out her mezzo notes. Suddenly there were cars stopping to try and film, microlights and drones overhead—it felt like something out of Independence Day.” The scene captures both the enormity of the production and the intense public interest swirling around the project.
Speaking of the chemistry with his co-star, Bailey described an incident in which a complex dance sequence went slightly awry. “I had four hours to learn a whole number. At one point, Ariana and I headbutted each other by accident,” he recalled with a smile, joking, “It was a real meeting of the minds, quite literally.” Such anecdotes highlight the camaraderie and challenges faced by the cast during the ambitious shoot.
The narrative arc of *Wicked: For Good* will focus on the aftermath of Elphaba’s painful separation from her close friend Glinda. The film is expected to show the subsequent events that lead to Elphaba’s demonisation in Oz society and her infamous transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West—a storyline that delves deeper into political machinations and social perceptions.
Bailey did not shy away from addressing the film’s more serious undertones. “It’s darker, and I sense the sequel is not afraid to grapple with political themes. Fiyero’s character goes through a dramatic evolution by the story’s end,” he revealed. This signals a shift from the fantastical towards a narrative with contemporary resonance, possibly inviting new interpretations from audiences navigating today’s complex social climate.
Joining Bailey and the lead actresses are a stellar supporting cast that includes Michelle Yeoh stepping into the shoes of Madame Morrible, and Hollywood veteran Jeff Goldblum as the enigmatic Wizard. Bailey noted the interesting crossover between himself and Goldblum—they both have ties to the Jurassic Park franchise, with Goldblum’s iconic Dr. Ian Malcolm appearing in the original series and Bailey set to debut as Dr. Henry Loomis in *Jurassic World: Rebirth*.
Bailey mused on the possibility of their Jurassic worlds colliding in future projects: “Who knows, maybe you’ll see Dr Ian Malcolm and Dr Henry Loomis on a night out—stranger things have happened in Hollywood.” This playful remark underscores the growing web of connections in today’s cinematic universes, and the increasingly cross-genre careers of contemporary actors.
As anticipation builds, the sequel is set to premiere in UK and Irish cinemas on 21 November. Beyond the excitement of a star-studded cast and elaborate set pieces, fans are eager to see how the story will interpret and expand upon its source material, particularly in an era attentive to themes of power, marginalisation, and political transformation.
For those keen to learn more about Bailey’s reflections on the role and his career, the summer Heroes edition of British GQ—featuring Bailey on the cover—will be available in digital and print editions from 10 June. Bailey is also scheduled to make an appearance at the GQ Heroes conference at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire this July, where further insights into his process may be shared.
Wicked’s enormous popularity on stage has set a high bar for its film adaptations, and with stars like Bailey hinting at bold new directions, this next instalment looks poised to captivate both loyal fans and new audiences when it arrives later in the year.