The internet has fallen in love with the gloriously chaotic audition tape that secured Jonathan Bailey his role in the highly anticipated Wicked film. The Bridgerton star's improvised and hurried try-out for Prince Fiyero has spread like wildfire across social media, charming fans with its sheer spontaneity.
The 'Crazy Tape' That Landed The Role
During the recent NBC special, Wicked: One Wonderful Night, Bailey revealed the extraordinary circumstances behind his submission. He confessed to filming the tape during his 'five minute call' – the brief window actors have before they must be on stage – while he was performing in the West End revival of Cock at London's Ambassadors Theatre in 2022.
"I remember I sent a tape - crazy tape - and I basically did a karaoke version of [Dancing Through Life]... but I did it at the five minute call when I was doing a play," Bailey explained. His co-star Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, reacted with stunned disbelief, exclaiming, "I can't believe you did it in your five minute call. How on earth?"
Pure Fiyero Chaos Captured on Camera
Clips shared from the now-infamous tape show Bailey in a theatre dressing room, whipping off a pair of sunglasses to deliver Fiyero's iconic opening lines: "the trouble with schools is, they always try to teach the wrong lessons. Trust me, I've been kicked out of enough of them to know." His performance is abruptly punctuated by the stage manager's call, perfectly capturing the frenetic energy of the moment.
The audition stands in stark contrast to the more polished tapes submitted by his co-stars. Cynthia Erivo delivered a powerful rendition of 'Defying Gravity', and Ariana Grande perfectly performed 'Popular' for Glinda. Bailey's approach, however, has been hailed by fans as unintentionally genius casting.
Fans Declare It 'Perfect' Casting
The viral revelation has sent the Wicked fandom into a delighted frenzy, with many arguing the chaotic audition is perfectly in character for the charmingly roguish Fiyero. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.
One fan succinctly noted, "It's very fiyero of him tbf." Another commented, "This audition is actually so perfect for the character it's ridiculous," while a third declared, "Yes so chaotic it's perfect Fiyero." The consensus is clear: Jonathan Bailey's unconventional and last-minute effort was, ironically, the ideal way to win the part of the carefree prince.
The story also highlights the intense audition process for the major film adaptation. Amanda Seyfried previously revealed she underwent a multi-year process for Glinda, a role that ultimately went to Ariana Grande. Bailey's whirlwind tape, filmed on 7th November 2025, proves that sometimes, a moment of inspired chaos is all it takes.
