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Wicked's Jonathan Bailey reveals the one thing that makes his Fiyero unique
The Bridgerton star plays the key role in the movie adaptation – and he tells us one thing he could do with the character that isn't possible on stage.
- Patrick Cremona
Published: Friday, 22 November 2024 at 11:40 am
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The characters in Wicked have all been played by some legendary theatre performers during its long run on Broadway and the West End – most notably Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth's iconic turns as Elphaba and Glinda.
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Fiyero – the role played by Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey in the acclaimed new film adaptation – is no different, with Norbert Leo Butz having originated the character and a string of talented stars having brought him to life on stage since.
Bailey was very aware of this when taking on the role, but explained to RadioTimes.com that although he was very much informed by those who went before him, there was one way in which he felt he could put his own stamp on the character.
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"Norbert Leo Butz– I'd never seen him perform, but there's obviously clips online, and I listened to many people's versions of Fiyero to... just because I loved the musical over time," he explained during an exclusive interview.
"But I think the one thing that I saw as an opportunity, especially when it's on film, is to... in the moments of quiet surrounding the script, you know, there's very lean but brilliant moments with Fiyero, and to expand and to really capture the sort of nuance of exactly what's happening as the mask falls and this idea of authenticity and being who you truly are."
He continued: "And obviously, we know that Fiyero has a complete transformative arc. So really, there was just an opportunity that, obviously, on stage, all the performances are amazing, but there is just... there are little moments that you can achieve in a close up, maybe.
"So that was what I was excited to explore."
Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in Wicked Universal
Bailey and Jeff Goldblum – who has the vital role of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the movie – have struck up something of a bond on the press tour for the film, and the Jurassic Park star was full of praise for Bailey's interpretation of the character, remarking that it was "beautifully done".
"What a Fiyero!" he added. "And Norbert Leo Butz, you know, I saw him in this because I saw the original thing, and then I saw him in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and then I was doing Criminal Intent, we had an episode together. He's terrific. But you are the definitive Fiyero, one for the ages!
"And yes, I love that theme of what you say, of finding your true self, you know?," he added. "And it reminded me of that thing that is the credo of Popeye the Sailor. You know what he says, 'I am, what I am, and that's all what I am. I'm Popeye the Sailor Man', but in our case, 'I'm Fiyero!'"
Wicked: Part One is now showing in UK cinemas.
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Authors
Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer
Patrick Cremona is the Senior Film Writer at Radio Times, and looks after all the latest film releases both in cinemas and on streaming. He has been with the website since October 2019, and in that time has interviewed a host of big name stars and reviewed a diverse range of movies.
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