The casting process for the role of Fiyero in the much-anticipated film adaptation of Wicked nearly took a different turn, as casting directors revealed that Jonathan Bailey almost missed out on the part due to his packed schedule. With roles in hit projects like Bridgerton and Jurassic World Rebirth, Bailey’s availability was in question during the casting for the two-part cinematic experience, which includes Wicked: For Good.
According to directors Bernard Tesley and Tiffany Canfield, Bailey was juggling “three other jobs at the same time” when they set out to cast for the role. Canfield, determined not to take “no for any reason,” initiated a challenging effort to secure Bailey despite numerous objections about his availability.
Determined to Cast Bailey
Tesley and Canfield first became acquainted with Bailey when he starred in the 2018 West End revival of Company. Remarkably, he happened to be in New York just before the casting process began. After meeting with the directors, Tesley remarked, “That guy should be Fiyero, right?” The casting team had already recognized Bailey’s talent and charisma, which made them even more eager to bring him on board.
Despite the hurdles, neither Tesley nor Canfield was willing to relent in their pursuit of Bailey. His manager, Duncan Millership, played a crucial role in the process. After Bailey submitted an audition tape, Canfield was impressed by the “cheekiness” and “humor” he infused into the character, alongside a sense of “real humanity” and “vulnerability.”
“We knew that was what we needed,” Canfield said. “A lot of people told us he was not available and we just would not take no for any reason.” Their persistence ultimately paid off when Bailey was cast as Fiyero.
Bailey’s Career and Upcoming Projects
Bailey’s increasing fame has been evident, particularly with his absence during the NBC special Wicked: One Wonderful Night, due to commitments in London. His co-star, Bowen Yang, stepped in during Bailey’s absence for the performance of “Dancing Through Life.” Though he missed the live performance, Bailey participated in pre-taped segments throughout the special.
The actor’s career has skyrocketed recently, thanks to the massive success of Bridgerton and the Wicked films. Looking ahead, Bailey has announced plans to take a break from acting in 2026 to focus on his LGBTQ+ organization, The Shameless Fund. Despite this, fans can anticipate his return as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the fourth season of Bridgerton, set to premiere on January 29, 2026, on Netflix.
Bailey’s captivating presence as Fiyero, alongside stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, has reinforced the casting directors’ faith in their choice. Without the determination of Tesley and Canfield, Bailey’s trajectory might have been quite different, and he may not have been recognized as People’s Sexiest Man Alive this year.
The Wicked franchise, originally based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, recounts the untold story of Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, and her complex friendship with Glinda, the Good Witch. It began as a successful Broadway musical and has since expanded into various media, including the upcoming film adaptations.
In a world where casting decisions can make or break a career, the story of Jonathan Bailey’s journey to Fiyero serves as a reminder of the importance of persistence and belief in talent.
