How Jonathan Bailey Made Sure Fiyero Leaving Glinda Was Extra Painful In Wicked: For Good

How Jonathan Bailey Made Sure Fiyero Leaving Glinda Was Extra Painful In Wicked: For Good Fiyero and Glinda in Wicked: For Good By  Abigail Stevens Published 11 minutes ago Abigail is an editor for ScreenRant, currently writing and editing movie news. You may also have seen her thoughts on animated television, musical theater, and fantasy literature in Paste Magazine, Fantasy Hive, or The Oxford Blue. She has also written SR lists and op-eds covering movies, TV, and books as well. She is an English major through and through, having graduated with a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara and an MPhil from Oxford University. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Warning: This article contains spoilers for 2025's Wicked: For Good, now in theaters.Jonathan Bailey does not entirely justify Fiyero's decisions in Wicked: For Good, saying this approach reveals the nuances of the story. The follow-up to 2024's Wicked, both movies directed by Jon M. Chu, finally arrived in theaters on November 21. Wicked: For Good is breaking box office records that Wicked previously set, aided by the first movie's success.

Wicked: For Good depicts the end of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda's (Ariana Grande) story amid a fight for Oz's future. As well as being on opposite sides of the conflict, Elphaba and Glinda are driven apart because of Bailey's Fiyero, who is engaged to Glinda, but as is made fairly evident in the movie's marketing, leaves her for Elphaba around the midway point.

Fiyero's seemingly impulsive decision after being with Glinda for years can be criticized by the audience; he is also apparently not impressed by her new role in the campaign against Elphaba, but still stays in a relationship with her. Bailey went into this part of his character's arc thoughtful about his conflicted emotions, but also says that he didn't try "softening the blows."

"The nuance and the gray areas of morality within these relationships is what makes Wicked a really interesting story," says Bailey in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "I think betrayal is betrayal, and love and forgiveness are passed around with real intricacy. You don't want to shy away from that." Fiyero doesn't have much more to say to Glinda than that he is sorry.

Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) staring into each other’s eyes up close in Wicked: For Good

Elphaba is less apologetic, though she is mad at Glinda for other reasons when they see each other again after the ruined wedding. But the movie also focuses on their reconciliation, when so many bad things have happened that they need their friendship more than ever. Despite the falling out, Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero also care deeply for each other and will protect one another.

Wicked: For Good currently has a 70% Rotten Tomatoes score against Wicked's 88%. Despite the divided response, most critics are still praising Erivo and Grande's powerhouse performances, as well as Bailey's strong turn in his supporting role. Wicked: For Good's exact status for the forthcoming awards season is unclear, after its predecessor was nominated for 10 Oscars.

Wicked: For Good is still a strong adaptation of the Broadway show's second act, which many had already recognized as having major pacing and story issues. Wicked: For Good's reviews seem to agree that its strongest elements are the emotional throughlines, primarily between Elphaba and Glinda, but Bailey also demonstrates a deep understanding of his flawed character that makes his storyline worthwhile.

9.3/10 8/10

Wicked: For Good

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed PG Drama Fantasy Romance Release Date November 21, 2025 Runtime 137 Minutes Director Jon M. Chu Writers Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox, Gregory Maguire Producers Marc Platt, David Stone 11 Images Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) with a thoughtful frown in Wicked: For GoodGlinda (Ariana Grande) smiling in Wicked: For GoodGlinda (Ariana Grande) putting on her crown in Wicked: For GoodFiyero (Jonathan Bailey) playing in a marching band in Wicked: For GoodGlinda (Ariana Grande) walking down the aisle surrounded by yellow butterflies in Wicked: For GoodFiyero (Jonathan Bailey) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) staring into each other’s eyes up close in Wicked: For GoodElphaba (Cynthia Erivo) flying on her broom in Wicked: For GoodWicked For Good Teaser ThumbnailGlinda (Ariana Grande) clutching a book to her chest in Wicked: For GoodGlinda (Ariana Grande) floating inside a shimmering bubble in Wicked: For GoodGlinda (Ariana Grande) looking thoughtful in Wicked: For GoodClose

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• Cynthia Erivo Elphaba
• Ariana Grande Glinda

Prequel(s) Wicked Genres Drama, Fantasy, Romance Powered by Expand Collapse

• Movies
• Wicked: For Good

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