Jonathan Bailey is having a blockbuster moment.
On July 2, he’ll trade the ballrooms of Regency England for a world crawling with prehistoric danger in “Jurassic World: Rebirth“. Playing Dr. Henry Loomis, a brilliant paleontologist thrust into a new era of dinosaur chaos, Bailey adds action hero to his already impressive résumé. The latest entry in the Jurassic franchise marks a bold leap into global box office territory for the British actor, whose talent has long made him a star to watch—now, he’s officially front and center.
Jonathan Bailey’s Theater Beginnings
Bailey’s career is a masterclass in range. A child actor who started with the Royal Shakespeare Company and wowed West End audiences at just eight years old as Gavroche in “Les Misérables”, he’s built a reputation across stage and screen for blending emotional nuance with undeniable charisma. His stage work spans Shakespeare (Othello, Richard II) and modern drama (The York Realist, Cock), but it was the West End revival of “Company” in 2019 that earned him a Laurence Olivier Award and elevated his musical theater profile to new heights.
Jonathan Bailey Soars High With “Wicked”
That profile reached stratospheric levels with his performance in “Wicked: Part One” (2024), where Bailey starred as the charming and conflicted Fiyero opposite Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The musical fantasy film received critical acclaim, and Bailey’s layered portrayal—equal parts swagger and sincerity—earned him a SAG Award nomination and rave reviews.
The role not only showcased his vocal chops but also made him a household name. With “Wicked: Part Two” (“Wicked: For Good”) set for release this November, anticipation is already sky-high, especially for his take on emotional showstoppers like “No Good Deed.” Bailey’s Fiyero has become one of his most beloved roles, cementing his transition from cult favorite to mainstream star.
Of course, many fans first fell in love with Bailey as the brooding and passionate Viscount Anthony “Bridgerton” in Netflix’s global hit “Bridgerton”. His portrayal brought depth, vulnerability, and smoldering intensity to Season 2, catapulting him into international stardom and turning the character into a fan favorite. And despite his growing film career, Bailey has no plans to abandon the series that made him a Netflix sensation.
“I’ve never been someone who’s like, ‘Thanks, bye.’ It’s not in my nature,” he told The Hollywood Reporter while promoting Jurassic World: Rebirth. “I know how much I love long-running series. I know how important familiarity of character and story and consistency is in these long-running series.” While he admits that scheduling or storyline could keep him from appearing in every season, he added, “I look forward to, in another however many years, when we’ve done the eighth season to sit around and be like, ‘Look what we all did together.’”
With acclaimed performances across genres—from period romance to political drama (“Fellow Travelers”), fantasy musicals to dinosaur blockbusters—Jonathan Bailey is proving he’s not just a rising star. He’s already one of the defining actors of his generation. And as “Jurassic World: Rebirth” roars into theaters, the world is watching—and cheering—his next move. “Jurassic World: Rebirth” is out in theaters on July 2.
