Hollywood’s latest leading man is giving everyone whiplash — and for good reason. Jonathan Bailey’s meteoric rise from period drama heartthrob to blockbuster star has been nothing short of spectacular, though perhaps “meteoric” doesn’t quite capture the decade-plus of steady work that preceded his current moment in the spotlight.
The 37-year-old Brit first caught the public’s eye as the brooding Anthony Bridgerton, but these days he’s everywhere you look. Take “Wicked,” for instance. The hotly anticipated musical adaptation has been raking in both critical acclaim and box office gold, boasting an impressive 88% on the Tomatometer. Bailey’s Prince Fiyero (alongside powerhouses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande) has audiences practically swooning in the aisles — reflected in that astronomical 95% audience score.
Then there’s “Jurassic World Rebirth.” Now here’s where things get interesting… Critics have been somewhat lukewarm, landing at 51%, while audiences are absolutely eating it up with a 71% approval rating. Those now-infamous “little glasses” Bailey sports as paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis probably aren’t hurting matters. Who knew spectacles and dinosaurs could make such a compelling combination?
But let’s not forget his more serious endeavors. “Testament of Youth” showcases a different side of Bailey entirely. His turn as Geoffrey Thurlow in this WWI drama proves the man can do far more than charm his way through a scene. The film’s 84% critical rating speaks volumes, though interestingly enough, audiences came in slightly lower at 78% — a rare reversal of the usual pattern.
Looking back through Bailey’s filmography reveals something rather fascinating: a slow-burning career that’s been quietly building momentum since 2004’s “Five Children and It.” Sure, there were a few bumps along the way (“The Young Messiah” and its middling 50% rating comes to mind), but each role seems to have been carefully chosen, leading to his current status as Hollywood’s newest darling.
What’s particularly remarkable about Bailey’s trajectory is his ability to win over both critics and casual viewers alike. Those recent Critics’ Choice and Satellite Award wins for “Fellow Travellers” certainly didn’t hurt. And while that face of his could launch a thousand ships, it’s the depth of talent behind those famous specs that’s really turning heads in Tinseltown.
With roles spanning everything from biblical epics to dino-adventures to fantasy musicals, Bailey’s refusing to be boxed in. And speaking of musicals — “Wicked: For Good” is slated to hit theaters late next year, suggesting 2025 might be even bigger for this rising star. In an industry that often tries to pigeonhole its leading men, Bailey’s proving that versatility (and yes, those glasses) might just be the secret sauce for lasting success.
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