Jonathan Bailey, known for his role as Prince Fiyero in the Wicked movie series, was notably missing from the NBC special, Wicked: One Wonderful Night. While his co-stars from the movie performed various songs from the films, the Bridgerton actor missed out.
Why Jonathan Bailey didn’t appear on stage for Wicked: One Wonderful Night
Ahead of Wicked: For Good’s release, NBC aired a two-hour special musical, Wicked: One Wonderful Night, on November 6, which did not feature its Prince Fiyero actor, Jonathan Bailey.
His absence from the live event was due to scheduling conflicts with prior commitments. The Jurassic World: Rebirth actor was busy with filming for his upcoming project and a press photoshoot at the time (via Entertainment Weekly).
Despite not appearing on stage, Bailey still contributed to the show by pre-recording a segment before the live taping. During the event, Ethan Slater and Bowen Yang filled in for him, performing the song “Dancing Through Life.”
Although the special event aired on November 6, it was actually taped in October before a live audience at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Most of the film’s cast, including Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Marissa Bode, were a part of the live event.
The actors recreated the magic of Oz by performing the songs associated with their respective characters from both the original film and its sequel. The special was also accompanied by a 37-piece orchestra, helping performers bring the songs to life.
Later this month, Wicked: For Good will debut in cinemas on November 21, 2025, adapting the second act of the iconic 2003 Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. Jon M. Chu has returned to direct the sequel, along with screenwriters Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox.
The sequel continues to follow Elphaba and Glinda after the events of the first one. Elphaba, now the Wicked Witch, fights for animal rights and justice, while Glinda serves as the symbol of good under the Wizard’s rule.
Originally reported by Harsha Panduranga on ComingSoon.
