You searched for Jonathan Bailey - GAY TIMES https://www.gaytimes.com/ Amplifying queer voices. Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:05:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 Wicked: For Good’s final trailer is an epic, heart-pounding spectacle https://www.gaytimes.com/films/wicked-for-good-part-2-final-trailer/ Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:05:33 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1451428 Gelphie clash, share tender moments, and recreate their iconic dance in the epic Wicked: For Good trailer. Based on Act Two of the stage musical, the blockbuster explores the estranged…

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Gelphie clash, share tender moments, and recreate their iconic dance in the epic Wicked: For Good trailer.

Based on Act Two of the stage musical, the blockbuster explores the estranged friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) after Elphaba reclaims her power and rebels against the villainous Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum).

Elphaba, now in the possession of the Grimmerie, continues in her mission to reveal the Wizard’s deception and champion the rights of Oz’s animals.

Following Madame Morrible’s slander at the end of Part One, however, she has become a social pariah and dubbed ‘The Wicked Witch of the West’.

At the same time, Glinda has become the “glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz,” which has her living in the Emerald City palace and serving as the friendly spokesperson and defender of the Wizard’s reign.

The synopsis adds: “As Glinda’s stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba. She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart.

“The aftershocks will transform Boq (Tony nominee Ethan Slater) and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives.”

In the final trailer, Morrible urges Glinda to “lift the spirits” of Oz’s citizens, before presenting her with the iconic pink spheric bubble and wand – which Glinda gleefully declares she’s “obsessulated” with.

A tornado whisks Dorothy Gale to Oz, where the Wizard tasks her, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion with retrieving Elphaba’s broom “so I have proof that she’s dead.”

Meanwhile, Gelphie can be seen clashing in a wand-vs-broom showdown along the Yellow Brick Road, before coming together to seemingly plot the Wizard’s downfall.

The trailer – which continues to tease highly-anticipated songs like ‘No Good Deed’ and ‘For Good’ – closes with Glinda turning to her best friend and saying, “Think of what we could do… together.

In addition to the aforementioned talent, Wicked: For Good will also see the return of Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Bronwyn James as ShenShen and Sharon D. Clarke as the voice of Elphaba’s childhood nanny, Dulcibear.

Wicked: For Good hits cinemas on 21 November.

Watch the final trailer below.

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]]> Fans are drooling over Chris Evans’ ripped physique at TIFF https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/fans-are-drooling-over-chris-evans-ripped-physique-at-tiff/ Tue, 09 Sep 2025 03:15:33 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1450570 Chris Evans’ latest public appearance has sparked a feral epidemic on social media. On 4 September, the 50th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) kicked off its two-week run. As…

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Chris Evans’ latest public appearance has sparked a feral epidemic on social media.

On 4 September, the 50th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) kicked off its two-week run.

As in previous years, the event features a diverse range of film screenings, lectures, discussions, festivals, workshops, and other events.

In addition to offering a packed itinerary, TIFF gives fans a chance to see their favourite celebrities, with many A-list actors attending the event to support their upcoming projects.

On 6 September, the girls, gays and theys were sent down a thirst-fueled spiral when Chris Evans was spotted at the festival alongside his Sacrifice co-star Anya Taylor-Joy.

Keeping things simple, the Materialists star sported a dark blue shirt – which showcased his bulging biceps and massive chest – with a pair of black slacks and round spectacles reminiscent of Jonathan Bailey’s viral ‘sluttly little glasses.’

Of course, it didn’t take long for Evans’ TIFF appearance to spread like wildfire on X/Twitter, with many users sharing their feral and hilarious reactions to his noticeably bigger physique and “babygirl” energy.

“No lube, no protection, all night, all day, missionary, cowboy, reverse cowboy, doggy, backwards, sideways, on the bed, on the couch, bent over the kitchen counter, by the fireplace, against the wall, in the shower, on the floor, in the basement, against the window,” one fan wrote.

Another person commented: “Chris Evans girlies have experienced diminishing returns in recent years, but we’re starting to have a comeback.”

A third Chris Evans enthusiast added: “Slutty little glasses and a tight shirt, I’ll never be over Chris Evans as long as I live.”

Evans’ buff new look also captured the attention of MCU fans who became convinced that he would be reprising his role as Captain America in Avengers: Doomsday.

“Welcome back, Captain America, oh ma gurd,” one user tweeted, while another wrote: “This is the most Steve Rogers that Chris Evans has ever looked.”

While we haven’t received an official confirmation of Evans’ involvement, we know Avengers: Doomsday will feature staple MCU actors reprising their beloved roles.

The stacked cast includes: Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier, Letitia Wright as Shuri / Black Panther, Paul Rudd as Scott Lang / Ant-Man, Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing, Simu Liu as Xu Shang-Chi, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Kelsey Grammer as Hank McCoy / Beast, and Lewis Pullman as Bob Reynolds / Sentry.

More starpower incoming: Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres / Falcon, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch, David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian, Winston Duke as M’Baku, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier / Professor X, Ian McKellen as Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto, Alan Cumming as Kurt Wagner / Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn as Raven Darkhölme / Mistique, James Marsden as Scott Summers / Cyclops, Channing Tatum as Remy LeBeau / Gambit, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic, and Robert Downey Jr as Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom.

Other notable actors expected to appear in the film include Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr Strange and Tom Holland as Spider-Man.

You can check our more fan reactions to Chris Evans’ TIFF appearance below.

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]]> Here’s why Jonathan Bailey is taking a break from acting in 2026 https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/heres-why-jonathan-bailey-is-taking-a-break-from-acting-in-2026/ Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:04:08 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1450012 Jonathan Bailey is taking a break from acting for a heartwarming and honourable reason. It’s no secret that the last few years have been very good to the beloved British…

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Jonathan Bailey is taking a break from acting for a heartwarming and honourable reason.

It’s no secret that the last few years have been very good to the beloved British talent.  

After becoming a global sensation in 2020 for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Regency-era series Bridgerton, Bailey’s star has skyrocketed within the Hollywood sphere.

In just five years, the 37-year-old talent has earned universal acclaim for performances as Timothy Laughlin in Fellow Travelers (2023), Fiyero in Wicked (2024), and, most recently, Dr. Henry Loomis in Jurassic World Rebirth (2025), all of which have cemented his status as the most popular and sought-after openly gay leading man.

While his 2025 schedule is set to become even busier with the upcoming release of Wicked: For Good, Bailey is prepping to temporarily shift his priorities in the new year.

In a recent interview with GQ, the Crashing star revealed that he will be taking a break from acting to focus on his foundation, The Shameless Fund – which raises money for LGBTQIA+ charities through brand collaborations.

“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,” he explained.

“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. There’s this statistic: out of every £100 raised in the UK, only 1p goes to the LGBTQ+ community. You really have to dig to find solutions, and I genuinely think The Shamless Fund is exactly that.”  

Since its creation in 2024, The Shameless Fund has raised nearly $1 million in its first year, thanks to its various brand partnerships.

In 2024, the foundation teamed up with fashion brand LOWE to release a ‘Drink Your Milk’ t-shirt, a nod to his iconic Fellow Travelers character’s love for the beverage.

This past June, the actor continued the trend when he teamed up with Cubitts to create a limited-edition pair of “sl*tty little” sunglasses – which are inspired by his viral Jurassic World Rebirth character, Dr Henry Loomis.

While the first drop sold out instantly, The Shameless Fund announced a second batch of specs on 21 August.

Towards the end of his GQ interview, Bailey praised his foundation’s latest collaboration as being “so amazing,” adding: “Not only is it fun and creative, it can also make a real difference.”

For more information on the Cubitts x The Shameless Fund Loomis glasses, click here.

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]]> Jonathan Bailey goes shirtless for charity – and fans are ecstatic https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/jonathan-bailey-goes-shirtless-for-charity-and-fans-are-ecstatic/ Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:58:16 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1448744 Jonathan Bailey has showcased his impressive physique for charity, and the internet (including us) is in a state of utter adoration. Over the last few years, the Wicked: For Good…

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Jonathan Bailey has showcased his impressive physique for charity, and the internet (including us) is in a state of utter adoration.

Over the last few years, the Wicked: For Good star has raised money for LGBTQIA+ charities with the help of his Shameless Fund organisation, which collaborates with brands to create limited merchandise.

In 2024, Bailey teamed up with fashion brand LOWE to release a ‘Drink Your Milk’ t-shirt, a nod to his iconic Fellow Travelers character.

In June, the actor continued the trend when he teamed up with Cubitts to create a limited-edition pair of “sl*tty little” sunglasses –which are inspired by his viral Jurassic World Rebirth character, Dr Henry Loomis.

While the first drop sold out instantly, the Shameless Fund announced a second batch of specs on 21 August.

To promote the upcoming release, the organisation’s Instagram account has shared photos of Bailey’s various celebrity friends and co-stars wearing the spectacles, including Cynthia Erivo, Scarlett Johansson, Kylie Minogue, Michelle Yeoh and more.

Bailey also used the opportunity to treat fans to some new thirst content, with one promo photo featuring him posing shirtless while wearing the sleek pair of glasses.

Unsurprisingly, the photo was a hit with social media users, who flocked to the comment section to share their enthusiastic responses.

“OH MY GOD???? ON A MONDAY AFTERNOON??” one fan wrote.

Another commentator added: “Forgot what I was doing after seeing this.”

Bailey’s shirtless photo was also praised on X/Twitter, with one fan tweeting, “Looking as fine as this man should be illegal,” while another Bailey enthusiast added: “Ok, I’m starving.”

The “sl*tty little glasses” meme was born after the first trailer for Jurassic World Rebirth, when the internet lost it over the 37-year-old’s nerdy and handsome character.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Bailey described the frenzy as a “hormonal explosion linked to optical supports” – very accurate – and happily declared: “Let’s have a summer of sl*tty little glasses!”

Grossing more than $800 million worldwide, Jurassic World Rebirth stands as the year’s fourth highest-grossing release and a defining moment in Bailey’s ascent as a box office force.

When speaking about the Shameless Fund’s collaboration with Cubitts, the Broadchurch star described it as a “no-brainer.”

“I’ve worn Cubitts for nearly a decade — they’re a powerhouse brand with serious style, headed by a super cool team. It was a no-brainer for Dr. Henry Loomis to wear them.

“I’m thrilled that The Shameless Fund’s first collaboration of 2025 is with Cubitts. This is a pair of glasses that make everyone look sexy, feel sexy and make the world seem sexier. Right now, we all could use a rose-tinted perspective. Go wild!”

For more information about the Loomis glasses, click here.

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]]> Jonathan Bailey releases final drop of “sl*tty little glasses” for LGBTQIA+ charity https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/jonathan-bailey-releases-final-drop-of-cubitts-glasses-for-lgbtqia-charity/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:21:53 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1448152 Jonathan Bailey is releasing a second – and final – drop of his “sl*tty little” Loomis sunglasses. Earlier this year, the Wicked star teamed up with Cubitts and the Shameless…

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Jonathan Bailey is releasing a second – and final – drop of his “sl*tty little” Loomis sunglasses.

Earlier this year, the Wicked star teamed up with Cubitts and the Shameless Fund – his foundation that raises money for LGBTQIA+ charities through brand collaborations – to launch a limited-edition pair of sunglasses named after his beloved Jurassic World character.

The first drop sold out instantly, drawing attention from stars like Kylie Minogue and Cara Delevingne.

A final 1,000 pairs go live for pre-order today at 3pm BST on Cubitts.com, with Bailey’s Wicked co-stars — including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Michelle Yeoh — helping spread the word.

Bailey, who is also a patron for the LGBTQIA+ youth charity Just Like Us, previously said: “I’ve worn Cubitts for nearly a decade — they’re a powerhouse brand with serious style, headed by a super cool team. It was a no-brainer for Dr. Henry Loomis to wear them.

“I’m thrilled that The Shameless Fund’s first collaboration of 2025 is with Cubitts. This is a pair of glasses that make everyone look sexy, feel sexy and make the world seem sexier. Right now, we all could use a rose-tinted perspective. Go wild!”

The “sl*tty little glasses” meme was born after the first trailer for Jurassic World Rebirth, when the internet lost it over Bailey’s character Dr. Henry Loomis and his eyewear.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Bailey described the frenzy as a “hormonal explosion linked to optical supports” – very accurate – and happily declared: “Let’s have a summer of sl*tty little glasses!”

Grossing more than $800 million worldwide, Jurassic World Rebirth stands as the year’s fourth highest-grossing release and a defining moment in Bailey’s ascent as a box office force.

It comes on the heels of Wicked: Part 1, which not only became the most successful musical in cinema history but also secured 10 Academy Award nominations and critical acclaim as one of the century’s finest films.

Its sequel, Wicked: For Good, opens 21 November – check out the first trailer below.

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]]> Wednesday star Hunter Doohan gives flowers to Jonathan Bailey: “So inspiring” https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/wednesday-star-hunter-doohan-gives-flowers-to-jonathan-bailey-so-inspiring/ Tue, 12 Aug 2025 22:55:44 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1446738 Hunter Doohan has opened up about his admiration for Wicked star Jonathan Bailey. In a recent interview on The Zach Sang Show, where he was promoting the second season of…

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Hunter Doohan has opened up about his admiration for Wicked star Jonathan Bailey.

In a recent interview on The Zach Sang Show, where he was promoting the second season of Netflix’s Wednesday, the 31-year-old talent reflected on his acting journey.

“I mean I got into it when I was in like high school, like doing theatre, and when I moved out to [Los Angeles], I mean I didn’t work for a long time, I did like so many day jobs,” he revealed.

“I was a tour guide at Universal Studios for years, and once I actually knew what I was chasing, I was just like, ‘Oh, I just want to work on cool stuff that I would want to watch if I wasn’t in it.’ And I’ve been pretty lucky in that regard.”

While Doohan’s star has skyrocketed due to the monumental success of Wednesday season one, it hasn’t always been a walk in the park for him, especially as a gay actor in Hollywood.

While the What/If star has been out since he was 18, he admitted to feeling pressured to hide his sexuality in certain circumstances, like for his audition process for the 2019 Showtime drama, Your Honor.

“When I tested for Your Honor, it was the first time I had done a network test, and they were really like scrutinising and I was really trying to hide it like when I was talking to them, because there were several rounds,” he explained. “I remember I went and hid pictures of [my husband, Fielder Jewett and I] on my Instagram, like archived them.”

Doohan went on to say that after getting the job, he had to come out all over again, describing it as “unsettling and awful.”

“I was at lunch one time with Bryan, and I said, ‘Oh my friend Grace is going to come out and visit,’ and he’s like, ‘Oh, like just a friend?’ And I was like, ‘Oh god, like they don’t know I’ve been out for eight years and I have to come out of the closet again.’ I was like, ‘I’m never going to do that for a role again,'” he continued.

“But like at the same time, I’ve never played a gay role and I’ve auditioned for them, but like all the characters I’ve played have been straight. I don’t know, it’s strange.”

While Doohan has felt the pressures as a gay actor, he cited Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey – who is openly gay – and his monumental success in TV and film as a source of inspiration.

“I read this Jonathan Bailey interview the other day that was so inspiring like the way he talks about it and just how he’s totally just released all perceived limitations around it, and look at him, he’s [starring] in Jurassic [World Rebirth] and the lead romantic interest in Bridgerton and Wicked, like the biggest movie in the world,” he continued.

 

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A post shared by Hunter Doohan (@hunterdoohan)

“But yeah, I’m just lucky to be living this time and like have had people come out and do it before me too.”

Doohan’s interview comes amid the successful release of Wednesday, season 2, Part 1.

Picking up after the chaotic events of season one, the new batch of episodes follows Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) as she begins her second year at Nevermore Academy.

Of course, her time in the school’s gothic halls will be anything but peaceful, with “new foes and woes” lurking around every corner.

In the first four episodes, Doohan reprises his role as Tyler Gaplin/Hyde, who is now imprisoned after his murder spree in the first season.

For more information about how he prepared for his character’s shirtless scenes, click here.

Wednesday season two, Part 1 is now streaming, with Part 2 premiering on 3 September.

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]]> Wicked: For Good sneak peek teases Elphaba and Glinda’s “emotional” journey https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/wicked-for-good-sneak-peek-teases-elphaba-and-glindas-emotional-journey/ Fri, 08 Aug 2025 01:25:38 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1446139 Drop everything, Ozians! A new first look video for Wicked: For Good has arrived. On 21 November, fans will finally be treated to the highly anticipated sequel to 2024’s smash…

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Drop everything, Ozians! A new first look video for Wicked: For Good has arrived.

On 21 November, fans will finally be treated to the highly anticipated sequel to 2024’s smash hit Wicked.

While our return to Oz is still a few months away, Universal Pictures recently treated fans to a behind-the-scenes look at Wicked: For Good, which makes the wait a bit more bearable.

In the first look featurette, the cast and director opened up about what viewers can expect from the forthcoming film.

“In Wicked: For Good, they’re both stepping into this new space in their lives, and I think that actually makes them all the more powerful,” Erivo teased.

Director Jon M. Chu echoed similar sentiments, describing Glinda and Elphaba’s upcoming story as a “much more mature emotional journey about the consequences of the hard choices that you make.”

“And it’s really about them trying to get back together in some way, even if the fates don’t allow that,” he continued.

Grande went on to exclaim that the film will showcase “just how far we can push” Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship, adding: “There’s nuance. There’s hurt. There’s forgiveness.“

The first look video also included exciting new footage of Wicked: For Good, as well as behind-the-scenes moments of Grande and Erivo filming some of their action-packed and heartwarming scenes.

Since its release, fans have flocked to social media to gush about the featurette and express their excitement for the movie.

“Haven’t you heard? I’m the Wicked Witch of the West“ THIS IS GOING TO BE SPECTACULAR!“ one fan on X/Twitter wrote.

Another Wicked enthusiast commented: “NEW CONTENT THANK YOU.“  

A third fan added: “Just get me to November already, please“

The video also elicited a passionate response from “Gelphie” shippers, with one person writing, “Holding space for the lesbian witches,” while another tweeted: “Every part of this just confirms Gelphie are soulmates, they have an unbreakable bond”, I’m sure.”

Based on Act Two of the beloved stage musical, Wicked: For Good will follow Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) as they navigate the dramatic consequences of the first film.

Elphaba is determined to expose the Wizard’s lies and free the animals of Oz with the help of the Grimmerie. However, due to her rebellion, she is a social pariah and is dubbed ‘The Wicked Witch of the West.’

At the same time, Glinda has become the “glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, “which has led her to live in the Emerald City palace and serve as the spokesperson and defender of the Wizard’s reign.

The official synopsis adds: “As Glinda’s stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba.

“She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart. The aftershocks will transform Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives.

“As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.”

Check out the first trailer for Wicked: For Good here or below.

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]]> “I’m really anxious and excited”: Marissa Bode teases Nessarose solo in Wicked: For Good https://www.gaytimes.com/films/im-really-anxious-and-excited-marissa-bode-teases-nessarose-solo-in-wicked-for-good/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:15:51 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1444225 Marissa Bode has dished about Wicked: For Good and taking on Nessarose’s iconic solo. On 21 November, fans will finally be treated to the highly anticipated sequel to 2024’s smash…

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Marissa Bode has dished about Wicked: For Good and taking on Nessarose’s iconic solo.

On 21 November, fans will finally be treated to the highly anticipated sequel to 2024’s smash hit Wicked.

While we’re still months away from its release, Bode graciously shared a few new details about the film in a recent interview with Variety.

When asked if she’s seen any official Wicked: For Good footage, the 24-year-old talent teased: “Just a little bit of playback from when I went in to do ADR. It looks pretty spectacular.”

Bode also opened up filming Nessarose’s beloved solo from the musical, ‘Wicked Witch of the East,’ which, unfortunately, was never featured on the official Broadway cast recording.

“There have been a number of people who say they’re super excited for [the song] ‘Wicked Witch of the East.’ I really hope it delivers and people receive it well,” she told the publication.

“If they don’t, that’s OK, too. But because so many incredible actresses on Broadway have performed that song so strongly, and also just a very strong song in general, there are definitely big shoes to fill.”

While Bode admitted to feeling pressure over the song, she praised the film’s director, Jon M. Chu, and the creative team behind the scenes for guiding and supporting her.  

“I had the support when I needed it, and I’m very grateful for that, and I’m really anxious and excited to see how the audience receives it,“ she exclaimed.

Based on Act Two of the beloved stage musical, Wicked: For Good will follow Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) as they navigate the dramatic consequences of the first film.

Elphaba is determined to expose the Wizard’s lies and free the animals of Oz with the help of the Grimmerie. However, due to her rebellion, she is a social pariah and is dubbed ‘The Wicked Witch of the West.’

At the same time, Glinda has become the “glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz,“ which has led her to live in the Emerald City palace and serve as the spokesperson and defender of the Wizard’s reign.

The official synopsis adds: “As Glinda’s stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba.

“She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart. The aftershocks will transform Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives.

“As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.”

In addition to the established lore featured in the stage musical, Wicked: For Good will include heaps of original content, including new Elphaba and Glinda solos.

“I don’t know if you’re ready for it. I mean, I love the song, and I remember when we filmed it, the cast and crew were crying,“ Erivo teased on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast in December. “So I don’t know. And I don’t know if that’s just because they were emotional that day, or that’s what the song does.”

Grande echoed similar sentiments in a separate interview with the aforementioned podcast.

“It’s a pivotal moment in Glinda’s journey. It shows a side of her we’ve never seen before. In the stage show, this transformation happens offstage,“ she explained. “But in the movie, we get to see her make the decision that defines who she is. It’s a privilege to sing this song and be the first Glinda to bring it to life.”

Check out the first trailer for Wicked: For Good below. For more information about the sequel, click here.

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]]> Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s “two-hour” Wicked concert special lands release date https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/cynthia-erivo-and-ariana-grandes-two-hour-wicked-concert-special-lands-release-date/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:28:40 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1442192 A release date has been confirmed for the highly anticipated Wicked concert special. Back in May, director Jon M Chu announced that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo would be leading…

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A release date has been confirmed for the highly anticipated Wicked concert special.

Back in May, director Jon M Chu announced that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo would be leading a TV special celebrating the beloved musical at NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation.

“I am absolutely delighted to let you in on a centrepiece of our campaign for the second film, it’s something that’s never been done in the 22-year history of Wicked,” he said.

“This fall, our stars Cynthia Erivo and incandescent Ariana Grande, will be joined by their castmates and some wonderful surprise guests in a one time only event from Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

“They will perform live many of the songs from the first movie – and maybe a little bit from the second one as well, for a night of entertainment that we think will be, as they say in Oz, thrillifying.”

Since that fateful day, fans have been eager to find out when the special would officially air.

Fortunately, on 9 July, it was announced that the upcoming two-hour event will premiere on NBC on 6 November at 8:00 pm ET. It will then be made available to stream on Peacock the following day.

While additional information has been kept under wraps, the press release teased that fans can “maybe, just maybe,” expect a little bit of material from Wicked: For Good, which is set to hit cinemas two weeks later on 21 November.  

Based on Act Two of the beloved stage musical, the highly anticipated sequel will follow Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) as they navigate the dramatic consequences of the first film.

Elphaba is determined to expose the Wizard’s lies and free the animals of Oz with the help of the Grimmerie. However, due to her rebellion, she is a social pariah and is dubbed ‘The Wicked Witch of the West.’

At the same time, Glinda has become the “glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz,” which has led her to live in the Emerald City palace and serve as the spokesperson and defender of the Wizard’s reign.

The official synopsis adds: “As Glinda’s stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba.

“She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart. The aftershocks will transform Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives.

“As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.”

Wicked: For Good is also set to feature original content, including new Elphaba and Glinda solos.

“I don’t know if you’re ready for it. I mean, I love the song, and I remember when we filmed it, the cast and crew were crying,” Erivo teased on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast in December. “So I don’t know. And I don’t know if that’s just because they were emotional that day or that’s what the song does.”

Grande echoed similar sentiments in a separate interview with the aforementioned podcast.

“It’s a pivotal moment in Glinda’s journey. It shows a side of her we’ve never seen before. In the stage show, this transformation happens offstage,” she explained. “But in the movie, we get to see her make the decision that defines who she is. It’s a privilege to sing this song and be the first Glinda to bring it to life.”

Check out the first trailer for Wicked: For Good below. For more information about the sequel, click here.

The post Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s “two-hour” Wicked concert special lands release date appeared first on GAY TIMES.

]]> Jonathan Bailey’s 10 hottest photos ever https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/jonathan-bailey-wicked-bridgerton-jurassic-world-fellow-travelers-hottest-photos-ever/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:15:59 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1441478 Newsflash! Jonathan Bailey is currently one of the hottest stars in the world right now. ‘Hot’ in the sense that he’s become a major box office draw, and ‘hot’ in…

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Newsflash! Jonathan Bailey is currently one of the hottest stars in the world right now.

‘Hot’ in the sense that he’s become a major box office draw, and ‘hot’ in the sense that… well, you’ve seen him, right?

The British actor memorably rose to fame on the stage with plays such as Othello (2013), The York Realist (2018), and Cock (2022), as well as musicals like The Last Five Years (2017) and Company (2019) – the latter earning him a Laurence Olivier Award.

Although his charisma in the cult comedy series Crashing (2016) earned him a legion of followers, it wasn’t until 2020, with his role as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Regency-era series Bridgerton, that he became a global sensation.

Since then, he’s earned universal acclaim for performances as Timothy Laughlin in Fellow Travelers (2023), Fiyero in Wicked (2024), and Dr. Henry Loomis in Jurassic World Rebirth (2025), all of which have cemented his status as the most popular openly gay actor in the industry.

As the aforementioned dinosaur blockbuster breaks box office records and fans patiently await his second turn as Fiyero in Wicked: For Good (21 November), we’re looking back at Bailey’s roles with a thirsty lens – again, have you seen him?

See below for the 10 hottest shots of Jonathan Bailey throughout his ever-growing filmography.

Bridgerton (1.08)

Sideburns, pits, chest and that smile?! No wonder Bridgerton has become one of Netflix’s most-watched series…

Bridgerton (2.05)

The short haircut and glistening chest – are you kidding me?!

Bridgerton (3.01)

Yes, it’s basically the same photo as the one from season one, but you can never get too much of Jonathan Bailey in bed with his pits out, surely?

Crashing (1.05)

There’s a more NSFW shot we could’ve used from this scene, but we’re trying to be (w)holesome. That face card, though?

Fellow Travelers (1.01)

This was really crucial in advancing the rights of those within the toe-sucking community.

Fellow Travelers (1.02)

Matt Bomer nestled into Jonathan Bailey’s chest… Highly erotic and highly emotional, knowing the outcome of this series. Anyone else crying?

Fellow Travelers (1.03)

The contrast of Tim Laughlin’s slutty little glasses with his washboard abs and horny/angry demeanour remains one of the hottest things ever put to screen.

Fellow Travelers (1.08)

Or is slutty little glasses + washboard abs + horny/happy demeanour even hotter?

Wicked

No skin on show, but c’mon… Imagine if Jonathan Bailey looked at you like that?!

And, finally, the shot that has sent Twitter/X into meltdown mode…

Jurassic World Rebirth is out now, by the way!

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