In Wicked – For Good, the formerly carefree Fiyero has transformed into a conflicted yet more principled individual, willing to abandon his life of luxury to protect the woman he adores.
This aligns with Jonathan’s interpretation of the charismatic prince, whom he perceives as a figure who experiences restlessness and a lack of love, yet possesses a profound sense of injustice — or, in his own words, someone with “a feral mind that’s anchored by something significant, which I believe I can relate to.”
Recently Jonathan Bailey reveals with a media channel the process of filming that crucial scene in the sequel, his perspective on Fiyero’s evolution, and how he balanced shooting the film alongside Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers. He shares his insights on balancing the filming of Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers simultaneously.
According to Jonathan Bailey, “This truly highlights the remarkable producers involved in those three projects. When Matt Bomer contracted COVID at the start of Fellow Travelers, it could have jeopardized the entire production. However, the schedule was expertly managed and organized against all odds. When I approach opportunities I’m passionate about, I can visualize them clearly. I remember my first conversation with Jon M. Chu, the director of Wicked, in Belsize Park, London. I had just flown in from Canada after filming for three days on Bridgerton, and although the Wicked schedule had shifted, it seemed feasible. I understood not only the essence of Fiyero but also the significance of the opportunity. I was determined to prepare thoroughly and contribute meaningfully, ensuring I didn’t drain the energy of Cynthia and Ariana, who were facing a tremendous challenge. It’s astonishing to realize I had only four days of rehearsal while others had several months, yet it’s incredible what can be achieved with the right expertise surrounding you. Trusting your instincts is crucial. You assess the situation and think, I know how to handle this. So, I pushed myself to the limit, ultimately feeling like an empty vessel. Fortunately, by then, I had fantastic prosthetics to help me blend in.”
In the second film, Fiyero experiences a number of more intense scenes compared to the first, where he appears carefree and causes chaos during the song “Dancing Through Life.” This illustrates how Jonathan Bailey navigates that shift.
As per Jonathan Bailey, “I recognized a chance to significantly alter the film’s tone, and I grasped Jon M. Chu’s vision. It was incredibly enticing to delve into what might seem like a superficial, ultra-charismatic, cool character, yet to ponder, What’s truly happening beneath the surface? If his drive to instigate chaos, along with the grand ‘Dancing Through Life’ sequence, is rooted in self-preservation and protection, then what deeper truths are hidden? How can one maximize the impact of a character who appears sparingly in the narrative? Additionally, how do you capture the broader themes and the transformations the female characters undergo throughout the film? When Elphaba encounters him in the forest, that marks the true start of the journey. I believe this resonates with my own experiences; when you awaken to something profoundly significant, life takes on a more serious tone. I perceive romance and genuine love stories as deeply serious matters. He possesses a subtle strength.”