Bailey's Wicked Take: Fiyero's Feral Mind

Jonathan Bailey describes his approach to playing Fiyero in Wicked, seeing the prince as someone yearning for connection and possessing a "feral mind centered by something meaningful." He felt a strong connection to Fiyero's inherent sense of justice, particularly his reaction to injustice in Oz. Bailey found Fiyero's transformation compelling, moving from a seemingly shallow character to one driven by deeper emotions and a desire for genuine love.

Bailey shares the challenging experience of filming Wicked alongside Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers, crediting extraordinary producers for the miraculous scheduling. Despite having only four days for Wicked rehearsals compared to others' months, he relied on instinct and clear vision to deliver his performance. This intensive period left him feeling like a "hollow shell," but prosthetics helped hide his exhaustion.

The actor delves into Fiyero's evolution, noting a shift from carefree anarchy to a more serious demeanor as his character finds purpose. Bailey likens this to his own life, where meaningful pursuits bring greater gravity. He highlights Fiyero's innate kindness as the force driving him to protect Elphaba against manipulation, showcasing a profound sense of fairness.