Casting directors for the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked recently disclosed that Jonathan Bailey nearly missed out on the role of Fiyero. The actor, who has garnered attention as the People’s Sexiest Man Alive, faced scheduling conflicts due to his busy workload, which includes major projects like Bridgerton and Jurassic World Rebirth.
During an interview with People, casting directors Bernard Tesley and Tiffany Canfield explained the challenges they encountered while trying to secure Bailey for the role. At one point, he was juggling “three other jobs at the same time,” prompting doubts about his availability. Despite this, Canfield was determined to pursue Bailey, stating, “I refused to take no for any reason.”
The casting journey began when both directors recalled Bailey’s performance in the 2018 West End revival of Company. Just before the casting process officially launched, Bailey happened to be in New York. He met with Tesley and Canfield, who were already impressed with his talent. Tesley recalled thinking, “That guy should be Fiyero, right?” after their initial meeting.
The casting directors were unwavering in their commitment to Bailey, despite the logistical hurdles. Duncan Millership, Bailey’s manager, played a crucial role in facilitating his audition process. After submitting a tape, Canfield was captivated by Bailey’s “cheekiness” and “humor,” which she felt were essential for the character. She noted, “When we saw his audition, we knew that was what we needed.”
Bailey’s hectic schedule was evident when he missed most of the NBC special Wicked: One Wonderful Night due to commitments in London. His co-star, Bowen Yang, filled in for him during the performance of “Dancing Through Life,” although Bailey participated in pre-taped conversations throughout the special.
The past few years have seen Bailey’s career soar, largely due to the success of his various projects. His role in Wicked has further solidified his status in the industry. Looking ahead, he plans to step back from acting in 2026 to focus on his LGBTQ+ organization, The Shameless Fund. Nevertheless, fans can anticipate his return as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 4, premiering on January 29, 2026, on Netflix.
The casting directors’ faith in Bailey proved to be well-founded. His natural charisma and ability to hold his own alongside stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo affirm their decision to cast him as Fiyero. The journey to securing Bailey for the role underscores the tenacity of the casting team and the potential impact of their choices on his burgeoning career.
The Wicked franchise, based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, explores the intricate story of Elphaba, the misunderstood figure who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, alongside her complex friendship with Glinda, the Good Witch. As the franchise continues to evolve with upcoming films and stage productions, Bailey’s involvement marks a significant chapter in its ongoing legacy.
