Jonathan Bailey: Everything there is to know about the Wicked actor
He plays the charming prince, Fiyero
Last updated 8 hours ago
Actor Jonathan Bailey has had a pretty packed schedule in the last few years, not only appearing in the much-anticipated Wicked movie franchise, but also in Jurassic World: Rebirth. And now he's set to appear in Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park With George, reuniting with Wicked co-star Ariana Grande. Jonny also made headlines in November 2025, when he was named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive!
But the performer from Oxfordshire, who plays Prince Fiyero in the Wicked films, is not exactly new to our screens, having appeared in Bridgerton, Doctor Who and even Broadchurch during his rise to fame. We find out everything there is to know about Jonathan, including where we might have spotted him before...
What movies and TV shows has Jonathan Bailey been in?
2004: Five Children and It
At just 16-years-old Jonathan played Cyril in the movie adaption of Five Children and It, alongside Freddie Highmore, Alex Jennings, Tara Fitzgerald, Zoe Wanamaker, Eddie Izzard and Norman Wisdom.
The family fantasy is set in the summer of 1917 and follows five siblings who are evacuated from London in World War 1, before discovering a special 'sand fairy' on the beach.
Cyril, the oldest, is brave and intelligent, but a little bossy. On discovering he was played by none other than Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey, fans were quick to comment on social media, with one writing: 'A literal BABY. 🥺'
And another commenting: 'I'm always tickled that he gets to play the protective big brother so often ('Five Children and It', 'Me and Mrs Jones', 'Bridgerton') when irl he's the youngest of four.' (sic)
2013-2015: Broadchurch Series 1 and 2
You'd be forgiven for forgetting that the man we've come to know for huge roles in Bridgerton and Wicked actually appeared in the first two series of Broadchurch, back in 2013 and 2015. Playing local reporter, Olly Stevens, he helped cover the murder of Danny Latimer for the Broadchurch Echo.
In an interview with BAFTA in 2024, Jonathan said: "I look back on Broadchurch really fondly and also realise just what an amazing opportunity it was to be in such a brilliantly conceived and detailed drama, which included so many amazing actors."
2014: Doctor Who
In 2014, Jonathan played an augmented human called Psi in an episode of Doctor Who called Time Heist. The Doctor, played at the time by Peter Capaldi, recruited Psi — a self-confessed 'hacker/bank robber' — to bust in to the Bank of Karabraxos. Also in the episode were Keeley Hawes and Jenna Coleman.
Speaking in a episode of Doctor Who Extra, Jonathan spoke fondly of his time on the show: "It's hard work but it's so rewarding. Peter and Jenna have been so welcoming. Everyone's been great. Now that you're here, you don't really want to go."
2020-2024: Bridgerton
A role which took the actor's career to a new level and cemented him as TV's newest heartthrob, Bridgerton saw Jonathan don his finest breeches and mutton chops and bring viewers the regency romance they didn't know they needed!
In an interview with BAFTA in 2024, Jonathan attributed his role of Lord Anthony Bridgerton for getting him where he is today: "I auditioned for the duke, which is the Regé-Jean Page part and at the end of it they were like I think you might need to look at Anthony Bridgerton.
"The Netflix effect is wild! I look forward to supporting the rest of the family and the stories that go forward. If there's one thing I know about beloved worlds is that you want to see them through. And people invest their love and their time and it means so much to so many people. So me and Tony will be together for a while."
2023: Fellow Travelers
Starring alongside Magic Mike's Matt Bomer, Jonathan played gay rights activist Tim Loughlin in a historical romance thriller which aired on TV in 2023. Set in Washington DC 1950s, and moving through the 60s, 70s and 80s, Fellow Travelers follows the volatile romance of two men as they move through changing decades.
Speaking about the importance of taking on this role, Jonathan told NBC News: "There's a weight that comes to telling your own story or other people's story that are similar or shares elements of your identity."
In 2024, Jonathan received an Emmy Award nomination for his role — as well as winning a Critics Choice Award!
2024: Heartstopper
In 2024, Jonny Bailey joined the cast of Heartstopper for its third season, playing Jack Maddox — a famous classicist who Charlie has a soft spot for. The popular Netflix series gained a huge following after the success of the first and second series, so it's no surprise Jonathan was keen to join the cast.
He told Vanity Fair: "Like so many people I watched the first series and I just thought it was one of the biggest, most beautiful gifts to so many people. And I wished I'd had that growing up."
2024: Comic Relief The Traitors sketch
In a hilarious spoof for 2024's Red Nose Day, Jonathan took on the role of The Traitors' Harry Clark to raise funds for Comic Relief. He was joined by Suranne Jones, David Walliams, Catherine Tate and others to put on a mickey-taking sketch which had fans of the show in tears of laughter, according to social media.
2024: Wicked
In November 2024, we got to see Jonathan in action in the first instalment of Wicked. In it, Jonathan plays Fiyero; a charming and carefree prince who happens upon the university of Shiz and its magical students Elphaba and Glinda.
The second instalment in the movie franchise is due out in November 2025, so those who aren't familiar with the story already will have to wait until then to find out how his character progresses. We're sure it won't disappoint!
2025: Jurassic World: Rebirth
Released in July 2025, Jonathan starred in Jurassic World: Rebirth, which is the seventh instalment in the Jurassic Park franchise. Playing palaeontologist, Dr Henry Loomis, Jonathan stars alongside Scarlett Johansson, Rupert Friend and Mahershala Ali.
In an interview with Graham Norton, Jonathan said there were plenty of stunts involved in the role: "There's lots of harness work actually, for the character. I was sort of rigged up for a week, with the biggest wedgie!"
Where is Jonathan from?
Jonathan was born in Wallingford, Oxfordshire to Carole and Stuart Bailey — and grew up with three older sisters. He managed to get a music scholarship at a school in Oxford, as well as attending a dance club in Henley-on-Thames.
By eight-years-old, Jonathan had secured his first part in the West End, playing Gavroche in Les Misérables, making his television debut the same year in period drama Bramwell.
How old is he?
Jonathan's birthday is 25th April 1988, making him 37 at the time of writing.
Is Jonathan Bailey married?
He's not married, but he is in a relationship. Although he likes to keep his romantic life relatively private, he did reveal to The Standard in December 2023 that there was a "lovely man" in his life. He said: "It's not secret, but it's private. Having a private life is, for me, completely critical."
Jonathan works alongside a number of LGBTQ+ charities, including one called Just Like Us, which organises speakers to visit schools. He told The Standard in 2023: "You're twice as likely to be bullied if you're gay, or queer. And yet if there's positive LGBTQ+ messaging within the school system, 100 per cent of people's mental health and happiness increases. It's a no brainer."
Can he sing?
If you've watched the first Wicked movie, you'll know Jonathan can absolutely sing. Here's a video to prove it:
In January 2026 it was announced that Jonathan and Ariana Grande would reunite and appear in Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park With George. There had been rumours for some time that the pair would appear in the musical, however it was finally confirmed by a photo of the pair sitting in front of George Seurat's famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
Is Jonathan Bailey English or American?
He's English! But you'd be forgiven for being confused, as he puts on a pretty believable American accent in 2023 TV drama, Fellow Travelers. His West Country accent in Broadchurch is also put on. He's a pretty versatile actor!
Was he named Sexiest Man Alive?
Yes! In November 2025, Jonathan Bailey was named Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine. His Wicked cast members took to social media to share their congratulations, with Ariana Grande saying he was: "the kindest and most brilliant and beautiful inside as well."
Is he on Instagram?
Yes! You can follow him at @jbayleaf.
Now check out all these movies out in 2026:
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Release date: 16th January 2026
Following the incredibly highly-anticipated 28 Years Later, released in 2025, fans of the franchise will be able to see the fourth instalment in January 2026 as it was shot back-to-back with the third. This film centres around Dr Ian Kelson, with Ralph Fiennes reprising his role from 28 Years Later alongside Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
The Moment
Release date: 30th January 2026
An original idea by Charli XCX, The Moment is a mockumentary starring Charli as a fictionalised version of herself, along with Rosanna Arquette, Jamie Demetriou, Alexander Skarsgård and Kylie Jenner. Official press from A24 reads: 'A rising pop star navigates the complexities of fame and industry pressure while preparing for her arena tour debut.'
Find out more about The Moment.
Wuthering Heights
Release date: 14th February 2026
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi will appear in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic 1847 novel Wuthering Heights. After filming took place between January and April 2025, it was confirmed the movie will land in cinemas on Valentine's Day 2026.
Find out all about Wuthering Heights right here.
The Immortal Man
Release date: 6th March 2026
That's right, we're officially getting a Peaky Blinders film! In place of a seventh series, show creator Steven Knight confirmed that The Immortal Man will be set during the time-frame of World War Two. Filming then began in September 2024, and later wrapped in December of that year - with a March 2026 date being confirmed.
Find out everything we know about the plot, cast and characters here.
Hoppers
Release date: 6th March 2026
Disney's production notes read as follows: 'What if you could talk to animals and understand what they're saying? In Disney and Pixar's all-new feature film Hoppers, scientists have discovered how to "hop" human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.'
Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft - The Tour (Live in 3D)
Release date: 20th March 2025
Billie Eilish released her third album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' in 2024, later bringing the songs on a world tour, including several dates in the UK in July 2025. In November, the singer confirmed that her amazing tour will be brought to cinemas across the world in 3D, saying: 'this has been one of my favorite tours everrrrrr and being able to capture it and co-direct this film with James Cameron has truly been a dream come true. can't wait for you all to see it.' (sic)
Find out more about the film.
The Drama
Release date: 3rd April 2026
The Drama stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, as A24's official press reads: 'A happily engaged couple is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails.' The supporting cast is made up of Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates and Zoë Winters.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Release date: 1st May 2026
The plot seems to suggest the sequel will follow Meryl's character Miranda Priestley, as she attempts to navigate her career amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing. Variety is also reporting that Emily Blunt's character Emily Charlton is now a top executive for a luxury group, with Miranda set to compete with her for the company's advertising dollars.
Find out everything we know about the sequel right here.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Release date: 22nd May 2026
Fans of Baby Yoda... We mean, Grogu, will be pleased to hear that the next step in the journey will see the character and the Mandalorian Din Djarin (played by Pedro Pascal) head to the big screen. The official plot reads: 'The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu.' Also starring is Sigourney Weaver.
Disclosure Day
Release date: 12th June 2026
Not much has been known about Steven Spielberg's upcoming sci-fi film - but after a trailer was released in December 2025, we saw Emily Blunt's weather reporter become possessed by an entity and speak in what seems like an alien language. The studio's logline reads: 'If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? This summer, the truth belongs to seven billion people. We are coming close to … Disclosure Day.' The film will also star Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth and Eve Hewson.
Toy Story 5
Release date: 19th June 2026
Pixar's website says: 'The toys are back in Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5, and this time it's Toy meets Tech. Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they're introduced to what kids are obsessed with today....electronics!'
Here's everything we know about Toy Story 5.
Supergirl
Release date: 26th June 2026
House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock will portray the dual role of Supergirl/Kara Zor-El in the eponymous film which also stars David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham and Jason Momoa. The official synopsis from Warner Bros. reads: 'When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice.'
Moana
Release date: 10th July 2026
Moana will be the next movie to get a live-action remake, releasing in the summer of 2026, with Catherine Laga'aia playing Moana! The Rock fans need not worry though, as Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, after voicing the animated movies.
Find out more about the upcoming Moana film.
The Odyssey
Release date: 17th July 2026
Christopher Nolan is renowned at this point for his incredible blockbusters. Following his last spectacle, Oppenheimer, comes The Odyssey - based on the epic tale of the Odyssey by Greek author Homer. The cast sees Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope, Tom Holland as his son Telemachus as well as Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron and plenty of other famous faces.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Release date: 31st July 2026
With Tom Holland reprising his role as Spider-Man/Peter Parker, Brand New Day is the next Spidey film in the Marvel series after Spider-Man: No Way Home, released in 2021. We'll also see Zendaya back as MJ and Jacob Batalon as Ned - with Stranger Things star Sadie Sink also joining the cast. Movie bosses are remaining incredibly tight-lipped about the plot - so as yet, there's not too much official news to share!
Sense and Sensibility
Release date: 25th September 2026
Jane Austen's beloved novel Sense and Sensibility will be receiving another big screen adaptation, following the renowned 1995 version featuring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. This film sees Daisy Edgar-Jones take on the role of elder sister Elinor Dashwood, with Esmé Creed-Miles portraying Marianne Dashwood. Supporting cast comes in the form of Walking Dead star Frank Dillane as John Willoughby, 1917's George MacKay as Edward Ferrars and Harry Potter star Fiona Shaw as Mrs. Jennings.
The Cat in the Hat
Release date: 6th November 2026
A new adaptation of The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss is on the way - this time, an animated version. Starring Bill Hader as the voice of the Cat, we've also got Matt Berry as the Fish and America Ferrera as the Mother, with Quinta Brunson and Giancarlo Esposito also in the cast. The official synopsis reads: 'In the film, our hero takes on his toughest assignment yet for the I.I.I.I. (Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC): to cheer Gabby and Sebastian, a pair of siblings struggling with their move to a new town. Known for taking things too far, this could be this agent of chaos's last chance to prove himself...or lose his magical hat!'
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Release date: 20th November 2026
Sunrise on the Reaping is the sixth film in The Hunger Games series, coming after The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and taking place 24 years before 2012's The Hunger Games. In this film, we'll see a lot of characters we knew in the original trilogy earlier on in their stories and therefore being played by younger actors. Official press from Lionsgate says of the premise: 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will revisit the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.'
Focker In-Law
Release date: 25th November 2026
Although details of the plot of Focker In-Law are being kept slightly under wraps, Ben Stiller spoke at the Tribeca Festival in June 2025 about why they'd returned to the franchise. According to Esquire, he said: "What spurred the idea is that I'm the age that Bob (Robert De Niro) was when we did the first movie. It felt like a mirror to the first film, where one of my kids is thinking about introducing his person to the family." We've got Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson reprising their roles, as well as new characters played by Ariana Grande and Beanie Feldstein.
Narnia: The Magician's Nephew
Release date: 26th November 2026
Acclaimed director Greta Gerwig is putting together a brand new adaptation of the classic C. S. Lewis books, The Chronicles of Narnia. This time, we will see the first book in the series - The Magician's Nephew - brought to the big screen, unlike the last series of films based on the novels in the 2000s. According to reports, we'll see Daniel Craig in a currently unannounced role alongside Sex Education's Emma Mackey as Jadis, the White Witch, and Carey Mulligan as the mother of Digory Kirke - the eponymous Magician's Nephew.
Untitled Jumanji sequel
Release date: 11th December 2026
The fifth film in the Jumanji franchise (and third of the rebooted films) will be released around Christmas in 2026. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Karen Gillan, Jack Black and Kevin Hart are all reprising their roles as the four main characters, and Sony even shared a photo of them on the set (pictured) in November 2025! The Rock also posted about production beginning in November on Instagram, writing: 'Officially kicking off production of JUMANJI, at our cast table read in Los Angeles - where we will film as well 👏🏾👏🏾 🥂
'What a massive, fun, heartfelt adventure. Feels emotionally appropriate for our beloved JUMANJI franchise to end on this beautiful grace note of our final film. Amazing to get the whole gang back together, and our jaws were hurting from laughing so hard 😂😂 We all talked about how much we've missed this kinda joy and fun 🥹😊 🤜🏾🤛🏻 Let's make a good one. The significance of the 🎲 (dice) in the last picture, is a little Easter egg that my character, Dr. Smolder Bravestone wears on a necklace in our final film. It's the dice from the original 1995 JUMANJI and a way of paying homage, love and respect to the great Robin Williams ✨.' (sic)
Avengers: Doomsday
Release date: 18th December 2026
Not too much has been said about the plot of Avengers: Doomsday just yet, but a huge cast announcement was made to confirm which characters would be appearing: Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Wyatt Russell, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, Kelsey Grammer, Lewis Pullman, Danny Ramirez, Joseph Quinn, David Harbour, Winston Duke, Hannah John-Kamen, Tom Hiddleston, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, and Robert Downey Jr.
Dune: Part Three
Release date: 18th December 2026
Director Denis Villeneuve spoke about making the third film all the way back in October 2024, telling Deadline: "I think it'll be a great idea to do something completely different. The story takes place like 12 years after where we left the characters at the end of Part Two. Their journey, their story is different this time, and that's why I always say that while it's the same world it's a new film with new circumstances." Starring in this film will be Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia Atreides and Robert Pattinson.
Shrek 5
Release date: 23rd December 2026
It was announced in 2024 that Shrek 5 is officially happening - a massive 14 years after the last instalment - Shrek Forever After. Filming is reportedly underway, however despite this, we've already seen a delay in the release. Initially set for a summer release in 2026, Shrek 5 will now grace cinemas in December, with Minions 3 being moved earlier and taking the flick's original spot.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Following the series three finale in September 2025, Prime Video confirmed there will be a The Summer I Turned Pretty to conclude Belly's story! There's no release date just yet.
Find out all about The Summer I Turned Pretty here.
Camp Rock 3
Jonas Brothers Joe, Nick and Kevin will reprise their roles as Connect 3 members Shane Gray, Nate Gray, and Jason Gray in Camp Rock, as Disney have confirmed a third movie is now filming! Although it doesn't look like Demi Lovato will appear in the third movie, she will be an Executive Producer.
Find out all about Camp Rock 3 here.
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