Introduction:
Jonathan Bailey, best known for his roles as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton and Fiyero in the film adaptation of Wicked, has recently stepped into the world of dinosaurs with Jurassic World: Rebirth. As the film hits theaters, audiences are captivated by his charismatic performance alongside Scarlett Johansson. However, what many may not realize is that Bailey’s journey to Hollywood stardom began on the stage, where he honed his craft from a very young age.
Early Theatre Career: Building a Strong Foundation
Bailey’s theatre career began at just seven years old, when he made his professional debut with the Royal Shakespeare Company, playing Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol (Wikipedia). By eight, he was performing as Gavroche in the West End production of Les Misérables. These early roles exposed him to the rigors of live performance, requiring him to project his voice and emotions to large audiences without the aid of microphones.
His theatre journey continued with significant roles, including Prince Arthur in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s King John and Cassio in Nicholas Hytner’s 2013 production of Othello at the National Theatre. Hytner praised Bailey, noting, “He can speak Shakespeare like it’s his first language… The stage is his element” (The Guardian). Bailey’s breakthrough came with his Olivier Award-winning performance as Jamie in the 2018 West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Company, showcasing his ability to handle complex, emotionally charged characters (WhatsOnStage).
| Key Theatre Roles | Production | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny Tim / Young Scrooge | A Christmas Carol | 1995 | Royal Shakespeare Company debut |
| Gavroche | Les Misérables | 1996 | West End role at age eight |
| Prince Arthur | King John | 2001 | Royal Shakespeare Company |
| Cassio | Othello | 2013 | National Theatre, critical acclaim |
| Jamie | Company | 2018 | Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role |
Transition to Film and Television: Theatre Skills in Action
Bailey’s theatre training provided a strong foundation for his transition to film and television. His roles in Broadchurch, Crashing, and Fellow Travelers demonstrated his versatility, with the latter earning him a Critics’ Choice Television Award and an Emmy nomination (IMDb). Theatre’s demand for emotional depth and consistency likely helped him portray complex characters in these projects.
In Bridgerton, Bailey’s portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton required the charisma and intensity honed on stage, while his role as Fiyero in Wicked leveraged his musical theatre experience from productions like The Last Five Years (Wikipedia). These skills are now evident in Jurassic World: Rebirth, where he plays Dr. Henry Loomis, a paleontologist leading a perilous expedition (Collider).
Theatre’s Influence on Jurassic World: Rebirth
Jurassic World: Rebirth, which premiered on June 17, 2025, in London (Wikipedia), marks a significant milestone for Bailey. The film, directed by Gareth Edwards, features Bailey alongside Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali in a story set five years after Jurassic World: Dominion. Bailey’s character, Dr. Henry Loomis, navigates dinosaur-infested jungles to recover DNA for a medical breakthrough (Variety).
Theatre’s physical and emotional demands likely prepared Bailey for this role. Live performances, especially in musicals, require stamina to sustain energy through multiple shows a week. This endurance translates to film, where actors face long shooting days and physically demanding scenes. In a British GQ interview, Bailey described the awe of working with dinosaurs, saying, “The first time Jonathan Bailey touched a dinosaur, the feeling pierced deep inside his soul like a triceratops horn through the stomach” (British GQ). This emotional connection, honed through years of stage work, likely enhances his on-screen presence.
Moreover, Bailey’s musical theatre background, including roles in The Last Five Years and Company, has given him a strong sense of rhythm and timing. These skills are crucial in action sequences or scenes with special effects, where precise movements are necessary. His ability to engage audiences in real-time during live performances also translates to creating authentic connections with viewers on screen.
Continued Commitment to Theatre: Staying Grounded
Despite his rising film career, Bailey remains committed to theatre. He is currently performing in Richard II at the Bridge Theatre in London, a role that allows him to return to his roots and engage with classical text (West End Theatre). This balance between stage and screen keeps him grounded and versatile, enabling him to bring depth and authenticity to every role.
In The Guardian, Bailey reflected on how theatre influences his film work: “There are all these stories we are born into that we have to unpick” (The Guardian). His stage experience, particularly with Shakespeare, has given him the confidence to tackle diverse roles, from period dramas to action-packed blockbusters.
Fan and Media Reactions
Recent X posts highlight Bailey’s appeal and his chemistry with Scarlett Johansson. One post noted, “Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson being goofy together lol” (X Post), while another praised Bailey as Johansson’s “number one hype man” (X Post). These interactions have fueled fan excitement, but few sources explore how Bailey’s theatre roots contribute to his on-screen charisma.
Media coverage, such as a Hindustan Times article about Bailey’s flip-flops at a photocall, focuses on his casual style rather than his acting process (Hindustan Times). This article fills that gap by offering a deeper look at his career.
Looking Ahead: A Versatile Star
Bailey’s unique blend of theatre and film experience sets him apart in Hollywood. His upcoming projects, including the second part of Wicked in November 2025 and potential Jurassic sequels, promise to showcase his versatility further (British GQ). His advocacy work, such as The Shameless Fund supporting LGBT+ nonprofits, also highlights his commitment to using his platform for good (British GQ).
As Jurassic World: Rebirth captivates audiences, Bailey’s theatre roots remain the foundation of his success. His ability to draw on stage-honed skills—stamina, emotional depth, and precise timing—makes him not just a star, but a true actor poised for even greater achievements.
FAQs About Jonathan Bailey and His Career
Who is Jonathan Bailey in Jurassic World: Rebirth?
Jonathan Bailey plays Dr. Henry Loomis, a paleontologist leading a high-stakes mission to recover dinosaur DNA in Jurassic World: Rebirth.
What role does Jonathan Bailey play in Bridgerton?
Bailey stars as Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest Bridgerton sibling and Viscount, in Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton.
Has Jonathan Bailey acted in musical theatre?
Yes, Jonathan Bailey is an acclaimed musical theatre actor, best known for his Olivier Award-winning performance as Jamie in Company.
What is Jonathan Bailey’s background in theatre?
Bailey began his professional acting career at age 7 with the Royal Shakespeare Company and has performed in major productions like Les Misérables, King John, and Othello.
Is Jonathan Bailey in Wicked the movie?
Yes, he plays Fiyero in the film adaptation of Wicked, opposite Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
What awards has Jonathan Bailey won for his acting?
He won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Company in 2019.
How has theatre influenced Jonathan Bailey’s film and TV roles?
Bailey’s stage experience has given him emotional depth, stamina, and precision—skills that enhance his screen performances in projects like Bridgerton and Jurassic World: Rebirth.
What is Jonathan Bailey currently working on?
He is currently performing in Richard II at London’s Bridge Theatre and is set to appear in Wicked: Part Two in November 2025.
How did Jonathan Bailey prepare for his role in Jurassic World: Rebirth?
Bailey used his physical and emotional training from theatre to handle the action-heavy, emotionally intense role of Dr. Henry Loomis.
What other TV shows and films has Jonathan Bailey been in?
In addition to Bridgerton, Bailey has starred in Broadchurch, Crashing, Fellow Travelers, and now Jurassic World: Rebirth.
