Wicked: For Good, the spellbinding sequel to last year’s blockbuster musical Wicked, is coming to theaters this November, but it might serve as a swan song (of sorts) for one of its stars. The film features a star-studded ensemble, led by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland, many of whom will be pursuing additional projects on the back of the mega-success of Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation. However, one actor has made the surprising announcement that they plan to “stop acting” for a while after its release.
No one mourns the wicked, but a few might feel the loss of Wicked star Jonathan Bailey as he has revealed that he wants to take a break from acting following the release of the sequel. The actor, who plays the charming Fiyero Tigelaar in the film, is seemingly ready to shift gears and turn his attention to his charity, The Shameless Fund, which is dedicated to forging a world “where every LGBTQ+ person can live authentically, love freely, and thrive.” Bailey talked about his hiatus from Hollywood during a recent interview with GQ, saying:
“I’ve been working solidly for about three years now, which has been amazing and mind-blowing. But with everything happening in the world right now, I’m going to stop acting for a bit next year and just focus on the Shameless Fund. Over the next few months, I’ll be focusing on staffing and making sure we get all the right people in all the right places.”
Jonathan Bailey Is at the Peak of His Career
Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero Tigelaar standing alongside a horse in Wicked
Universal Pictures
While Bailey’s reasons for taking a break from acting are extremely valid, it may come as a surprise to his fans, as he is arguably at the peak of his career. The actor started out on the stage, but was propelled to new heights when he landed a role in Netflix’s Regency romance series Bridgerton, which led to more high-profile roles in Fellow Travelers, Wicked, and this year’s Fourth of July tentpole Jurassic World: Rebirth opposite Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, putting him among the most in-demand actors in Hollywood today.
Jurassic World Rebirth topped $800 million worldwide, making it a significant box office success in spite of its mixed critical reception. A sequel has not yet been confirmed, but there is strong speculation and rumors of a follow-up. Director Gareth Edwards has even admitted that there may be “something in there,” though he originally envisioned the film as a standalone entry in the dino franchise. Therefore, it’s possible that any further films could deviate to another timeline with a different cast, so Bailey’s services would not necessarily be required.
However, that doesn’t mean that Bailey is going to remain a free agent. He is rumored to be one of the contenders in the running to play the next James Bond, with a recent Martini campaign further fueling speculation. If he was to sign on for the highly coveted 007 role, then it would likely keep him busy for the next 10 to 12 years, as one producer has stated that the commitment is for a decade or more, similar to how Daniel Craig’s tenure spanned 16 years. So, either Bailey has just ruled himself out of the job or he could be lured back if the offer came his way.
Regardless of what happens, Bailey will be back on screens this November starring in Wicked: For Good. The second film in the epic two-part adaptation is expected to continue directly on from the events of the first film, with Elphaba on the run after being declared an enemy of the state, forcing her to flee to the west. It will follow the Broadway show’s second act, eventually leading up to the events of The Wizard of Oz. The Wicked sequel will open in theaters on Nov. 21, 2025, one year after the first film and right in time for Thanksgiving.
Release Date
November 21, 2025
Writers
Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox, Gregory Maguire
Producers
Marc Platt
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