Jonathan Bailey, the acclaimed British actor starring in Ariana Grande’s upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, recently shared a unique connection between the musical and Netflix’s popular series Bridgerton. Speaking on the Popcorn Podcast with Leigh and Tim, Bailey revealed that he was accompanied by the same horse during scenes in both productions, a fact he finds particularly meaningful. He described his “special bond” with the animal, adding that its focus and stability make it an ideal scene partner, especially in key moments like Fiyero’s entrance in Wicked.
The horse, which Bailey rode for his grand entrance as Fiyero, was also featured in Bridgerton, where Bailey’s character, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, commands the screen with similar intensity. “This horse has laser-sharp focus,” Bailey said, expressing how the animal helped him embody the princely demeanor required for both roles. He highlighted the equine’s role in “enhancing Fiyero’s charm,” which he hopes will resonate with audiences in a memorable way.
Bailey’s character parallels between Wicked and Bridgerton extend beyond the horse. Fiyero, like Anthony, is part of an elite social class, a dynamic that Bailey said adds depth to both roles. In each, he plays an eligible bachelor who becomes romantically entangled with unexpected love interests—Elphaba in Wicked and Kate Sharma in Bridgerton. “It’s amazing how these characters from different worlds seem to mirror each other,” Bailey commented.
As Wicked continues production, Bailey’s dual roles reveal interesting thematic overlaps that fans are sure to appreciate when the movie releases, further connecting his work across genres.
