Musicals are still a niche genre, so it’s completely understandable if you haven’t seen Wicked on stage. However, now that it’s a major motion picture, there’s no excuse not to catch what is arguably the biggest movie of the last few months. And if you surprisingly missed its extended run in theaters, fear not, because Wicked is finally heading to streaming.  2m13

Ever since its release, the popularity and success of Wicked has been monumental. Defying gravity, if you will. From its iconic press tour, meme-worthy interviews, and Jonathan Bailey’s suave demeanor to the movie’s box office smashing theatrical run, Wicked has kept audiences entertained for months on end. Now, fans and newbies can enjoy it from the comfort of their homes. 

It’s almost time for a magical streaming debut  2q3k34

Starting Mar. 21, Wicked: Part 1 will be available to stream on Peacock. The movie was previously available for rent on Prime Video, but now all you’ll need is a Peacock subscription. The streaming release is coming at the perfect time as well. Now that awards season is over, anticipation for Wicked: For Good is officially underway. 

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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo might have dropped some lowkey teasers for Wicked: For Good with their opening performance at the Oscars. The pair of besties performed three songs in total, and each of them held weight. Grande kicked off the performance with a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz. Judy Garland sang this song as Dorothy Gale in the movie adaptation, and it won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1940. Following this, Erivo took the stage with a rendition of “Home” from The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical, another Oz adaptation. The Wiz is particularly relevant and stands out among Oz adaptations because it retells the story of The Wizard of Oz through the context of African-American culture, and stars an all-Black cast. 

After this, both women came together to sing the show-stopping duet, “Defying Gravity.” The song is the anthem of Wicked in pop culture, and Erivo’s angelic riff at the end has been attempted by everyone from TikTok influencers, to Keke Palmer. But, what does this have to do with Wicked: For Good?

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Grande’s choice of song might give us an insight into some changes that might be made in the Wicked sequel. There are rumors that Wicked: For Good will borrow some plot points from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to give more context to the story. There has also been constant online debate on whether Dorothy will have a bigger part in the sequel than she did in the musical. If she does, then Grande’s song choice holds more significance. 

As for Erivo’s choice, as a Black woman in the world of Oz, The Wiz is an important part of her history and references. Erivo will also be collaborating with the film’s musical team to create a new song for Elphaba in the sequel. Additionally, a second original song will be made for Glinda. So, even if you know everything about Wicked, there are still some things to look forward to in the sequel. 

Jonathan Bailey, the man, the myth, the moment. It doesn’t matter if you fell for him when he was the brooding Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, or you’ve recently been enchanted by his performance as Prince Fiyero in Wicked. One thing’s clear: Bailey’s got everyone under his spell. 

And now, even the king of wit himself, Ryan Reynolds, can’t resist catching a case of the Jonathan Bailey bug. The National Board of Review (NBR) Awards was held yesterday in New York, and the gala was brimming with Hollywood’s finest, celebrating the best in film. But honestly, who needs trophies when you’ve got Bailey stealing hearts left and right? The actor, fresh off his role in Jon M. Chu’s adaptation, not only dazzled audiences on-screen, but also charmed the likes of Reynolds, who couldn’t resist putting Bailey in the spotlight.

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When Reynolds took to the stage, he delivered what can only be described as a love letter wrapped in sarcasm and dipped in pure iration.

I think we can all agree that Jonathan Bailey is objectively perfect. Perhaps too perfect.

And he didn’t stop there. Reynolds hilariously claimed that Bailey’s magnetic charisma could destabilize the Hollywood Leading Men Society (HLMS), and called for an intervention: “It is in our collective best interest that Jonathan Bailey tone it the f*** down.”

Tone it down? Honestly, Ryan, we love you, but never. Bailey’s perfection is what keeps us going. His speech sent waves of laughter through the audience. Of course, Reynolds’ playful jabs only underline the reality that Bailey’s performance in Wicked has everyone talking. Fans can’t get over his show-stopping dance number in “Dancing Through Life,” a scene that perfectly shows his ability to entertain, not just as an actor, but as a performer. Watching him move with effortless grace? At this point, it’s like a public service for us.

One fan hilariously summed up the mood online: “I know Jonny was kicking his feet and giggling omg.” And let’s be real, that visual is quite plausible. Bailey has always had that self-aware, cheeky charm that makes him seem like your ultimate dream crush and your fun best friend rolled into one.

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Then again, Bailey isn’t just a pretty face or a talented performer: he’s a whole vibe. His ability to light up a room, whether on-screen, on-stage, or in an interview, is unmatched. He’s the kind of guy who makes you feel like he’s winking directly at you through the screen, and let’s face it, maybe he is. And it’s not just fans who’ve fallen for him. Fellow actors, from Bridgerton co-stars to Hollywood heavyweights like Reynolds, can’t help but gush over his talent and charm. Altogether, Bailey seems to have mastered the art of making everyone, from the audience to his peers, feel like they’re part of the Jonathan Bailey fan club.

With Wicked already setting the stage for him to conquer Hollywood, his future is evidently as dazzling as his smile. And while Reynolds might jokingly call for him to “tone it down,” we’re all here for Bailey cranking it all the way up. We might not survive it, but it’ll definitely be worth it.

Move over veterans, a new favorite has emerged on the Golden Globes red carpet, and she’s as cute as a button! Cesily Collette Taylor, who plays young Nessarose in the Wicked movie, completely stole the spotlight at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.

While the awards themselves are meant to honor Hollywood’s best, it was Cesily’s charm, cuteness, and enthusiasm that had everyone buzzing. She was just happy to be there! The adorable actress looked like a superstar-in-the-making in her polka dot, puffy sleeve dress. Adding to the cuteness overload were her fabulous curls and the unmistakable joy she radiated. She was a true red-carpet natural.

For her first big Hollywood event since stealing hearts at the Wicked premiere, Cesily nailed it, accessorizing her look with the essentials for a night to . The internet quickly agreed: this little Nessarose was definitely the queen of the night.

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Chatting with ET’s Nischelle Turner, Cesily couldn’t hide her excitement about working alongside her co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. She shared: “I saw Ariana and Cynthia in the movie, and I thought they were great. Ariana was a great singer and they made me happy.”

Her iration for her cast mates was genuine and refreshing, giving fans a glimpse into her delightful personality. But what truly stole the show was when she was asked by Drew Afualo about her favorite part of filming Wicked. Cesily’s answer was as straightforward as possible: “Being with Elphaba and being in my wheelchair.”

The young actress’s enthusiasm for her role and her character’s journey shows just how much she’s embraced this opportunity. Of course, it wasn’t just the industry insiders who fell for Cesily’s charm. Videos of her Golden Globes appearance have gone viral, and social media has been filled with an outpouring of love and . One fan summed it up perfectly: “I want the WORLD for this baby and NOTHING less, and she better get everything she wants.” Another gushed, “Her voice is the cutest; she’s just so fabulous.”

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In Wicked, Cesily plays young Nessarose, the younger version of Marissa Bode’s character. While the adult Nessarose is a layered and emotional role, Cesily brought innocence and depth to the younger version, making it clear she’s a star in the making. Her performance has been a hit with fans and critics alike, who’ve praised her ability to connect with audiences in such a heartfelt way. Even Hollywood heavyweights have taken notice of Cesily’s talent. None other than Jamie Foxx stopped her during her red-carpet interview to gush over her performance. “You were amazing in that movie,” he told her, leaving the young actress beaming. With an endorsement like that, it’s safe to say Cesily’s future in Hollywood looks bright.

It’s not every day that a newcomer, especially one as young as Cesily, makes such an impact at a major Hollywood event. But from her enchanting performance in Wicked to her show-stealing awards season debut, Cesily has proven she’s no ordinary starlet. She’s a bright light, bringing joy, authenticity, and talent wherever she goes. As the world continues to fall in love with Cesily, it’s clear she’s just getting started.

Let us be glad, let us be grateful: Deleted scenes from Wicked are now available for your viewing pleasure. 

Wicked Part 1, the highest grossing Broadway movie adaptation of all time, can now be rented for $19.99 or purchased for $29.99 on Prime Video and Apple TV Plus. Along with the full movie, the digital release comes with bonus features like a sing-along version, commentary from director Jon M. Chu and stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, as well as a ton of deleted scenes. Fortunately for all of us, one dedicated Wicked fan compiled all of the newly released deleted scenes on X so we can all relive our time at Shiz University and the magical city of Oz. 

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According to a press release from Universal, there are 10 new deleted and extended scenes included in the version of Wicked available on streaming platforms. Several of these scenes flesh out what daily life looks like at Shiz University, and give us more fuel to imagine ourselves taking part in that magic. The first scene is of Glinda (re)meeting Pfannee and ShenShen when she arrives at Shiz, even performing an elaborate twirling handshake with her friends.

Another scene shows the Shiz Gazette frantically announcing the arrival of Prince Fiyero, played by the ineffable Jonathan Bailey, and it’s just as frantic as you’d expect. Speaking of Fiyero, he also takes part in a scene aside Elphaba where the two bond over taking care of a lion club in the forest — sadly, his rumored shirtless deleted scene remains missing so we’ll just have to use our imaginations for now. Another scene shows Elphaba advising Boq, played by Grande’s new beaux, Ethan Slater, to be honest about his feelings for Nessa Rose, played by Marrisa Bode, while realizing she’s struggling to do the same regarding Fiyero. Aw, the perils of young love. 

The deleted scenes don’t just the Elphaba/Fiyero ship. There’s plenty of footage for Glenda and Elphaba shippers to use to fuel their preferred pairing. These include an extended scene during “Popular” shows Glinda trying to demonstrate the merits of a well-placed hair toss to Elphaba (with mixed results) and the two journeying to see the wizard together. Glinda and Elphaba have an entire train car to themselves, yet they choose to cuddle together on the same seat as they approach Oz.

Does this feeling, fervent as a flame, have a name? Gregory Maguire, the author of the novel that inspired the musical, did say the sapphic undertones were intentional so a romantic interpretation of these scenes isn’t far off. The final scenes show Elphaba and Glinda arriving in the Emerald City while holding hands and taking in the sights before meeting the famed wizard, and then running from flying monkeys through an elaborate labyrinth. 

Wicked’s runtime is already a lengthy two hours and 40 minutes, so it’s understandable that these amazing scenes were cut from the theatrical release. Thankfully, they’re still accessible as bonus features, but I can’t be the only one who wants a director’s cut featuring all of these scenes and more. Here’s hoping that the release of Wicked: For Good comes with a full-length version with all the extended scenes. Until then, I’ll be enjoying these bonus features and singing along to “Popular” in the comfort of my home. 

The Wicked musical and the book before it gave ample material for shippers of its two stars, Elphaba and Glinda, to gush over for years and years. While many fans see the story as one of friendship, there’s a train car full of subtext legions of other fans just can’t let go of — and the Wicked movie adaption gives them a literal train car to obsess over.

As Glinda says, let us rejoicify that goodness could prevail! Ahead of its digital release where fans can rent or buy the movie to enjoy over and over again in the comfort of their own homes, it has been announced that the home version will include deleted scenes that didn’t quite make the movie’s final cut.

Although the movie was already packed full of content for fans to devour and enjoy, as soon as viewers became aware of the deleted content they were clamoring for it to make a return. For our “thrillification,” Universal has included 10 deleted scenes in the digital release that expand on key character interactions and give a whole lot more context to the relationships between the characters.

One of the deleted scenes has caused a stir among Glinda/Elphaba shippers, and it’s easy to see why. Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda have fantastic chemistry on screen, and many fans walked away from Wicked‘s part one convinced they were more than friends. Those fans will feel vindicated with the release of the deleted scenes, which show Glinda and Elphaba all over each other on the train from Shiz to the Emerald City.

Clips from the deleted scenes are circulating around the Internet, and s on social media platform X were abuzz with excitement — and perhaps none more so than the Glinda/Elphaba shippers. One took to X to point out how, despite the massive train car solely for their use, Elphaba and Glinda spent the entire time lounging over one another.

As X @julesvavghn says, it’s a “big ass train but they’re all over each other.” What is this feeling? Certainly not loathing. While there are, of course, many explanations for the closeness, let’s just allow the Gelphie shippers to have this one short day. No need to drop a house on their good time!

Fans all over the Internet have been posting about the deleted scenes, with many hoping for a look at a rumored shirtless scene featuring Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater. That scene is unconfirmed, so the millions of fans hoping for a glimpse of the bare-chested Bridgerton wonder may be left disappointed, but there will be several scenes featuring Glinda and Elphaba — so the Gelphie shippers will be eating well.

Very well, then. The book, musical, and movie adaption all have more than enough subtext for audiences to sink their teeth into, so it’s no surprise that the Gelphie ship is getting some time in the sun after the movie release. Shippers aren’t the only ones to notice either as the Kuwaiti film board almost banned the movie due to its characters potentially being gay.

As Wicked got shortlisted for 4 Oscars, the home digital release will no doubt see the movie become even more popular with audiences, and with the deleted scenes content it could even spawn a whole new generation of Glinda/Elphaba shippers!

Universal, the production behind the film adaptation of Wicked, has revealed a title change for the second part of the movie musical, though not without intense fanfare. 

The second installment of the film, scheduled to premiere next November, was originally known as Wicked: Part II. It makes total sense, because the first film was titled on screen as Wicked: Part I, and because… well, it’s the second part. While all seemed well in the land of chronology, fans were sent into a tailspin when it was revealed that the Wicked sequel had changed its name (like Galinda to Glinda), with the new title being Wicked: For Good. 

The name change refers to the title of the beloved ballad from the original Broadway version of Wicked, which sees the two protagonists (and potential lovers, depending on who you ask), reflect on their friendship (or romance) towards the end of act two. Given that the second film will chronicle act two of the Broadway show, this still makes sense for those who are more sequentially inclined, with an added emotional punch for those who know how much of a tear-jerker the For Good duet is (seriously, bring a pack of Kleenex, and sing along per Cynthia Erivo’s approval). 

Naturally — since musical theater stans display a level of intensity on par with Swifties, Marvel heads, or Luigi Mangione apologists — the Wicked name change was met with a ionate reaction on social media. “So, it’s officially: Wicked: Part One [and] Wicked: For Good?,” one questioned, in one of multiple confused reactions to the re-title. Others demanded that Universal “change it back,” or described the For Good subtitle as “corny,” “clunky” and “dumb.” Elsewhere, those who “are not a fan of the name change” simply declared that “i’m not calling it that,” or hilariously suggested that — given the obvious cash-grab that was the decision to split it into two films — floated the alternative title of “Wicked: For Money.” 

Meanwhile, some fans took the name change as evidence that “we’re getting a Wicked universe” (Marvel, be damned), or said the new title is equivalent to naming Dune: Part Two “Dune: Sand and Spice.” For some, the rebrand “removes the slight theatrical weight the regular part 2 title had,” but there were those who seemed more receptive to the new name. “I’m sure the film is gonna be great,” one itted, while another said they “will be there no matter what” and “couldn’t be happier.” While the name change confirms that “For Good” will feature in the second installment, it’s also likely that the sequel will include songs not featured in the original Broadway show.

The first Wicked did not include any of these new tracks (despite boasting a runtime that exceeds both acts of the Broadway version combined), but composer Stephen Schwartz has promised that there will be new songs in Part Two/For Good. Alongside “For Good” and an unspecified number of new songs, fans can expect to see favorites like “Thank Goodness,” “Wonderful,” “As Long as You’re Mine,” and “No Good Deed,” all of which featured in act two of the Broadway show. 

Whatever awaits us in the land of Oz, best believe I’ll be “holding space” for more Golden Globe-worthy turns from Erivo and Ariana Grande, the latter of whom deserves the win for that iconic hair-twirl alone.

Universal Pictures just made a very intentional decision to change their much anticipated follow up from Wicked: Part Two to Wicked: For Good.

Given that movie titles are important tools that foreshadow what the film is all about, this is a big deal. It appears as if the movie is leaning into the darker themes for this adaptation. Since some versions of these films have been in development since 2004, no one could have predicted the current political climate and how this parallels the themes in the films. 

Much like the Wizard, President Trump portrayed himself as a man of the people but is already walking back key campaign promises such as lowering the cost of groceries. His introduction of the phrase “fake news” has Americans doubting credible news sources and further fuels wild conspiracy theories. Additionally, his divisive rhetoric has created harmful environments for outsiders, much like how Elphaba’s difference leads to her marginalization.

Jon M. Chu’s two films take the familiar story of The Wizard of Oz and tell it from the witches’ perspective. It takes place before, during, and after Dorothy Gale drops in. The movies are based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name, which is based on a series of novels by Gregory Maguire. Leading ladies Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo star as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, respectively. The cast is rounded out by Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero.

In Wicked: Part One, audiences watch Elphaba and Glinda, two polar opposite young women, go from enemies to friends. These roomies dream of one day meeting and working alongside the great and powerful Wizard of Oz. But when he turns out to be behind the attacks on the animal community, the friends have very different reactions. Elphaba stands up for the animals, while Glinda wants to maintain the status quo. The film ends with the young women choosing divergent life paths, and failing to understand each other’s decisions.

Chu told Variety that Wicked: For Good “is a doozy.” He went on to explain that it packs a big emotional punch. “You’re getting the meat. I did not know the context of where we’d be in society right now. It becomes eight times more relevant than before when you’re talking about truth and consequences of making the right or wrong choices. It’s intense,” he mused.

The question remains, is the title change good or bad? Thankfully, the themes of the piece can help us out again here. Wicked, in all its iterations, deals with the complexity of the nature of good and evil. “Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” Glinda asks in the opening number.

The truth is, life can’t be categorized so simply — nor can titles. It’s not black and white — or, in this case, pink or green. The title is more specific, which is a positive thing. It also leaves some questions. The title of the first movie implies there is a second half and giving it another moniker is a bit confusing.

The phrase “for good” references the final song between Glinda and Elphaba. As an overall movie title, however, it sounds final, and as if the character’s saying goodbye concludes the story. This moment is not about closure, as it is much more complex than that. The book series’ storyline even goes past the Broadway show’s conclusion.

While the new title may be as controversial as the political themes of the film it represents, audiences are sure to flock to the theaters regardless. Wicked: Part One has made more than $524 million worldwide so far.

The whole world has Wicked fever since the massively successful release of the movie adaption for the beloved musical. The whole world except for Kuwait, which had removed the movie from theaters over fears that its main characters were gay.

Elphaba and Glinda, portrayed by actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, have spectacular chemistry and more than one subtext-laden song that can be read in a sapphic context. Legions of fans have spent years discussing the subtext, so it’s not a completely far-fetched conclusion to draw. Movie posters show the pink and green duo holding hands.

Except in the actual movie, it’s quite clear that both women have a thing for Fiyero, the charming Winkie prince played by the dashing Jonathan Bailey. (Although maybe we shouldn’t let Kuwait know Cynthia Erivo is bisexual, or that Jonathan Bailey is gay, or…) Subtext aside, this is a movie clearly about the deep platonic friendship between its two female leads. Did the Kuwaiti film board even watch the film? All signs point to “no.”

In recent years, Kuwait has become very strict when it comes to film censorship, even going so far as banning Barbie because it was “promoting homosexuality”. Wicked looked set to become the latest casualty in Kuwait’s anti-gay crusade, but the film is apparently quietly back in theaters after a brief absence.

This is great news for Wicked fans in Kuwait. It’s good news for LGBT+ people in the country — and the world — as well. It can be hard to believe for people who see good, positive representation everywhere, but representation matters. Seeing a part of yourself represented on the big screen, not as a villain or an object of ridicule, but as a hero — that’s priceless.

As a young gay kid in the 90s in the U.K., I lived the first third of my life under a regime of anti-gay laws referred to as Section 28. In brief, the rules meant that local authorities — a tier of local government responsible for schools among other things — were not allowed to “promote” homosexuality. The rules meant nothing positive about gay people could be said in schools by staff. There were of course no restrictions on negative comments.

These rules were not the cause of anti-gay prejudice, but a symptom. Representation in the media was limited to a small range of “safe” gay people: comedians whose sexuality was the joke, sexually ambiguous musicians, and of course, villainous characters laden with negative stereotypes used as a cautionary tale. Nobody who would challenge the narrative too much.

Ironically, Section 28 pushed many gay people out of the closet to fight against the laws, including some high profile individuals, like world-famous actor Ian McKellen, and actually increased the profile of gay people in society. Increased visibility — representation — changed attitudes, and in 2003, Section 28 was repealed.

These stories are not unique to the U.K. Across the world, similar things have happened and are happening, with LGBT+ communities standing up for ourselves to challenge unfair and discriminatory laws. This is an international fight, and it’s not over. Russia has criminalized the “international LGBT movement” on top of far-reaching draconian laws within the country. In the USA, anti-trans bills are being signed into law and politicians openly call for the criminalization of gay marriage.

It’s great the Wicked is screening after all, but it’s a bittersweet victory, as it’s likely the movie was only allowed because it “wasn’t gay” after all. When Kuwait or anywhere else bans a movie for being too gay, it’s not about the movie — it’s about the people.

The issue of representation is not petty. It is not worthless. It gives hope to people, young and old alike, that there is a better way. That they are normal. That we are normal. That our lives are worth living. Representation fights ignorance, as people can see others not as stereotypes but as individuals.

The Wicked movie adaption was released to widespread acclaim, with audiences everywhere taking to the movie and its characters. It’s a sign of the strength and depth of the film’s script and its star’s acting that all fans can do is talk endlessly about the live-action remake and dive into extensive discussions about the plot, the characters, and the lore of Oz.

These are all wonderful things that enrich the experience of the story, whether it’s book, stage, or movie versions. Unfortunately, some fans don’t quite know where to stop and have crossed the line from fannish discourse into something altogether more unsavory.

While it’s fun to discuss who the “real” villains of the show are — is it Glinda, who ditched Elphaba during Defying Gravity? Is it Madame Morrible, who knew all along what the Wizard was planning and did nothing about it? — there’s a point at the intersection of fiction and reality where it becomes unpleasant and, frankly, inhuman.

The character of Nessarose has attracted valid criticism for the way she behaves in the story. Nessa, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, is a complex character with an equally complex relationship with her sister, Elphaba — in part due to both characters’ experience of her disability. It’s a testament to the writing that fans can pick up on nuances in the behavior of characters. Well-written characters will always attract critique and analysis, but mean comments leveled by some fans of the movie have gone too far as they have byed the dissection of Nessa’s attitude and zeroed in on mocking the character’s disability instead.

Marissa Bode, the actress portraying Nessa (who uses a wheelchair in real-life as well), addressed the undignified attacks and made a heartfelt post to TikTok where she discussed the upsetting discourse surrounding her character, slamming the “aggressive” jokes made at the expense of disabled people everywhere.

In a reminder that although Nessarose is fictional, her disability is not, Marissa is unequivocal when she says that the jokes about Nessa’s disability are not okay. Describing them as “deeply uncomfortable, because disability is not fictional,” Marissa explains why these so-called “jokes” are not simply about the fictional character: “At the end of the day, me, Marissa, is the person that is still disabled and in a wheelchair.”

By making the “joke” about the disability, it leaves the realm of fiction to reside in the real world. The statement then becomes one which applies to real-life people with the same disability, where the apparently “funny” part of the joke is that the person is unable to walk. Marissa goes on to underline why “it very much feels like laughing at, rather than with” in a spot-on analysis of why these statements are so cruel.

Claims that Nessarose “deserved” her disability are especially chilling, as the suggestion pitches the notion that disability is some sort of karmic punishment for wrongdoing. These are deeply, inherently dangerous sentiments mocking, judging, and insulting disabled people everywhere. As Marissa says, “these comments do not exist in a vacuum”: They represent thoughts and feelings people have about actual, real disabled people and have the power to influence the thoughts of others.

Choosing to use her platform to speak out despite her fears, Marissa describes how she’s seen other disabled content creators being “flooded with ableist comments” while speaking about ableism — “stop complaining,” “take a joke,” or that they’re “asking for too much” — to the point that these creators have left their platforms for the sake of their mental health.

Marissa ends her video by asking Wicked fans to “listen and to understand one another,” one of the key themes of the movie, in the hope that some fans will at least re-examine their hurtful words.

Jonathan Bailey is bringing the heat, and we’re barely holding it together. While prepping for his role as Fiyero in Wicked, the heartthrob delivered a behind-the-scenes treat that left fans weak in the knees. 

Let’s set the scene: Bailey, mid-workout, dons a fitted grey t-shirt, colorful shorts, and a red cap worn backward—a classic thirst trap uniform. But the pièce de résistance? His veiny, sculpted arms were on full display, practically begging to be ired. It didn’t take long to turn a simple training update into a full-blown thirst fest. Tweets ranged from the cheeky “He can train in my bed next time” to outright swooning: “The things I’ll let this man do to me.” And honestly, they’re not wrong. Bailey’s transformation into the Winkie Prince is proving to be as drool-worthy as it is impressive.

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Of course, thirst traps like these come with their risks—namely, a social media meltdown. Fans are dissecting every inch of the photo, from the glisten of sweat on his forehead to the casual tilt of his cap. One commenter hilariously pointed out, “He can train me next.” Another joked, “He needs to put me in a chokehold.” To top off the thirst-fest, Bailey let it slip that he took a risque photo of himself in only his Fiyero boots. The thought that the photo exists is enough to make fans lose their minds.

But beyond the jokes and heart-eyes emojis, this photo reminds us of Bailey’s incredible dedication to his craft. Transforming into Fiyero isn’t just about looking good, though he’s definitely nailing that part. It’s about embodying the character with every ounce of energy and precision. The veins and muscles may be stealing the show right now, but they’re also a testament to his hard work behind the scenes. If fans have their way, they’ll want more shirtless gym photos and fewer barriers to their Wicked fantasies. Until then, this thirst trap will tide us over nicely. And to Jonathan, if you’re reading this: the internet is rooting for you and your biceps.

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Let’s not forget the charm factor that’s cemented Bailey as one of Hollywood’s most coveted stars. Largely known for his smoldering portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton, he’s no stranger to sending fans into a frenzy. The scene of him soaking wet in the pond in Bridgerton is still very fresh in our memory. And let’s not even get into his role in Fellow Travelers, where he blessed us with more than enough to see. However, this glimpse into his Wicked training adds a new layer of allure. Whether he’s hitting the gym or perfecting a dance routine, Bailey radiates charisma and, let’s face it, raw sex appeal.

As Fiyero, Bailey steps into some pretty big shoes. The role demands a mix of boyish charm, sly confidence, and, apparently, some serious arm strength. It’s no surprise fans are already imagining him strutting through the Emerald City, turning heads left and right. If this photo is any indication, Bailey was more than ready to embrace the dashing, flirty essence of his character.

Three years ago, when the Wicked movie was greenlit, the internet was buzzing, not only with excitement, but with a hint of determination. Why, you say? Well, let’s just say that many die-hard theater fans didn’t want James Corden involved.

But it’s more than that! It got so bad that a Change.org petition was drawn up, begging the filmmakers to keep Corden far, far away from the project. The petition ultimately garnered over 100,000 signatures, a hilarious testament to how strongly people felt about the idea of Corden making his way to the Land of Oz. 

What’s the deal with James Corden and musicals anyway? 53u5f

Fast forward to today, Wicked is finally out, and James Corden is nowhere in the movie. And judging by the overwhelming praise for the film, fans are breathing a collective sigh of relief. One particularly dedicated X itted to g the petition under three separate aliases, showcasing just how serious people were about keeping Corden out of Oz.

The online petition, hosted on Change.org, was as straightforward as ever: “James Corden in no way, shape, or form should be in or near the production of Wicked the movie.” Talk about blunt!

The internet never forgets, especially when it comes to James Corden’s track record in musicals. Do we really need to go over his role as Bustopher Jones in Cats? The movie was heavily criticized and is now considered, well, a joke. His performance in Netflix’s The Prom may not have been worse than Bustopher’s, but it was also pretty bad, as he became an unfunny caricature of the character. Overall, Corden’s over-the-top style in these musicals has become infamous, and it may have fared well in 2014’s Into the Woods, but it’s not been a fun ride since. 

For Wicked, a beloved Broadway hit with legions of fans, the idea of Corden ing the cast was a step too far, but as another X puts it, “we dodged a bullet fr.” While he has a Tony Award to his name for One Man, Two Guvnors, and is no stranger to Broadway, Corden’s ventures into movie musicals have missed the mark.

Did the fans influence Hollywood? 2p4717

It’s unclear if the petition influenced the casting decisions. It’s entirely possible the filmmakers never intended to cast Corden in the first place. Regardless, fans are happy to feel they had some say in protecting the movie from what they saw as a potential misstep. Moreover, the petition shows just how protective fans are of the beloved Broadway classic, which has been reeling in audiences since 2003.

Whether petitions like these actually sway Hollywood decisions is debatable, but the ionate response shows how deeply fans care about preserving the integrity of stories they love. As for Corden — while he wasn’t involved in Wicked, his name will likely continue to pop up in conversations about movie musicals, just not in the way he might hope. And let’s be honest, there’s a whole second movie coming out in 2025. Who knows? Corden just might be in the lineup.

It looks like the success of Wicked could potentially become Hollywood’s latest double-edged sword. how the MCU came out of nowhere and put superheroes back on the map? Well, Glinda and Elphaba might trigger the same phenomenon.

Between the die-hard theater fans, and the casual patrons, Wicked has always been regarded as one of the best musicals of all time. It’s no wonder the musical has grossed over $3 billion over the last two decades. But while moviegoers and critics have (rightfully) hailed the Wicked movie adaptation, this might lead to other musical favorites vying for their time on screen. And this is both a good and bad thing. 

Mr. Hamilton, the people want you! 1a1h4i

In its opening weekend, Wicked has already sured its budget of $150 million, which means it’s very well on track to become one of the highest grossing movies of the year (and possibly of all time). And while that’s reason to celebrate, it’s also pretty much a guarantee that our favorite musicals might be given the movie treatment. Expectedly, fans are having a field day predicting which musicals-turned-movies will emerge before the decade is over.

Unsurprisingly, for many, Hamilton is emerging as a prime contender! The Lin-Manuel Miranda epic is one of the most famous stage musicals ever, and understandably so. Hamilton’s surprise debut on streaming a few years ago raised hopes for an all-out movie adaptation, complete with immersive set design and stellar production value. Will it be expensive? Obviously, as it’s more than just a musical. Hamilton is a period-based masterpiece, and an outlandish set will be required. When you add the costumes and historically accurate props, you’re looking at a budget that could rival, or even sur Wicked’s. As an X claimed, “They’re not throwing away their shots!“

Furthermore, with Lin-Manuel Miranda becoming one of Hollywood’s go-to lyricists (the man penned the Frozen, Moana, and Encanto soundtracks for Pete’s sake), Hamilton is a very safe bet to become a major box office hit. Finally, with In the Heights receiving its very own acclaimed movie adaptation, it’s not a reach to guess that Hamilton may already be in the works.

Is this a blessing or a curse? 513sz

Beyond the long overdue Hamilton movie though, there are several contenders that will absolutely smash on screen. Miss Saigon, Heathers, and Hadestown are some musicals that have received lots of love on social media, and fans believe it’s time for them to enjoy widespread love from non-Broadway enthusiasts. There’s also a strong thirst for the Tony-winning The Book of Mormon to land in cinemas sooner than later. 

But there’s a quiet danger that lurks behind the need to strengthen the musical-to-movie pipeline. For every Les Mis and Hairspray, there’s a possibility of ending up with the disaster that was A Chorus Line, or worse… Cats.

It’s one thing to be thrust into the magic that is the Land of Oz, but we must be careful not to open Pandora’s Box and unleash a barrage of musicals that are best left to thrive on stage. Dear Broadway enthusiasts, Hollywood might have officially sealed the fates of some of the best musicals out there, and the Wicked Witch of the West (and her powerhouse vocals) are undoubtedly to blame.