With his new movie Wicked: For Good just around the corner, Jonathan Bailey has been crowned People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive. This marks a milestone as Bailey is the first openly gay man to receive this accolade.
Bailey is set to return as Fiyero in Wicked: For Good, further cementing his position as a leading man. In the movie, he plays the romantic lead opposite the trailblazing Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, draws inspiration from the second act of the Broadway hit Wicked and features a star-studded cast including Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Colman Domingo, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.
Discussing his title as the Sexiest Man Alive with People, Bailey expressed, “It’s a huge honor. I’m incredibly flattered and find it completely surreal. Keeping it a secret was tough, so I’m thrilled that I can now share this with friends and family.”
During a promotional event for Wicked: For Good with Goldblum, Bailey discussed his groundbreaking title. As Goldblum playfully sang lines from “You Sexy Thing” by Hot Chocolate and “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred, Bailey described the win as “completely surreal but also fantastic and amusing.”
Goldblum recognized the significance of the title, humorously noting that Bailey “stands on sexy shoulders.” Bailey then added that “nothing is sexier than progress,” referencing his status as the first openly gay man to win, which initially confused but eventually amused Goldblum. This prompted an enthusiastic nod from the Jurassic Park veteran. The tone of the interview remained light as Bailey jokingly referred to Goldblum as “Bailey’s Cream.”
“If you leave me out, I curdle,” Bailey quipped, adding a humorous twist to their interaction. Throughout 2024, as they promoted Wicked, Bailey and Goldblum delivered many interviews filled with such playful banter, despite their characters being on opposite sides in the film.
The release of Wicked: For Good is set for November 21, 2025.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
