Actor: Jonathan Bailey, PEOPLE’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive
Film: Wicked: For Good
Location: IMAX Sydney, Australia

Fans were treated to an unforgettable surprise at a screening of Wicked: For Good in Sydney, Australia, when Jonathan Bailey, PEOPLE’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, made an unexpected appearance. The 37-year-old British actor, known for his roles as Lord Anthony Bridgerton and Fiyero in the Wicked franchise, delighted audiences with his impromptu walkout and warm greeting.

A Surprise Appearance for Wicked Fans

Bailey arrived at the sold-out IMAX screening just hours after landing in Australia. Radio host Kent “Smallzy” Small introduced him with playful enthusiasm:

“You wouldn’t believe who I found just hanging outside the cinema. Could it be one of the stars of Wicked: For Good?”

The crowd erupted in cheers as Bailey, smiling and waving, made his way onstage, joking:

“I’ve just landed in Aus’. I’ve missed it so much, so I wanted to return to the real land of Oz, which is where we started the press tour for the first film last year. And I thought, ‘Why not end the press tour for Wicked: For Good back where it started?’”

Bailey also shared that he had surprised his family earlier at another screening, making the weekend particularly special.

“I think this is the fourth-biggest screen in the Southern Hemisphere, baby,” he laughed. “I’m really excited to surprise a few people. But it’s always lovely to be back in Sydney, and it’s always lovely to support Wicked: For Good.”

Jonathan Bailey’s Role in Wicked

Bailey is beloved for his portrayal of Fiyero, the charming prince caught in a love triangle with Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). The sequel, Wicked: For Good, picks up after last year’s Jon M. Chu-directed film, continuing the characters’ dramatic and magical journeys.

In addition to Fiyero, Bailey has captivated global audiences as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton, further cementing his status as a leading man in both film and television.

PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive

Earlier in November 2025, Bailey was crowned PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive, a title he received with humility and humor:

“It’s a huge honor. Obviously, I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd,” he told PEOPLE.

His Wicked co-stars quickly celebrated the news on social media. Ariana Grande reposted Bailey’s PEOPLE cover, while Cynthia Erivo commented,

“Now the world knows what I’ve known all along.”

The cast, including Marissa Bode (Nessarose), Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard), Ethan Slater (Boq), Bowen Yang (Pfannee), and director Jon M. Chu, also joined in a compilation video congratulating Bailey, showcasing sweatshirts printed with his Sexiest Man Alive photos and playful awards like “looks best in a singlet while doing gymnastics.”