Fans of Wicked, the highly anticipated film adaptation of the hit musical, are buzzing with excitement over the possibility of a shirtless scene featuring Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater. Although the scene was cut from the initial release, there is still hope for its appearance in the upcoming second installment, Wicked: For Good.
The rumors began swirling when Bowen Yang, a supporting cast member, mentioned in an interview that several scenes were shot with the main characters Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), Boq (Ethan Slater), Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), and Glinda (Ariana Grande) bonding together. These scenes were intended to demonstrate the close friendship among the group.
According to Yang, one particular scene involved Fiyero and Boq playfully removing their shirts while hanging out in a park. This moment was captured by paparazzi, igniting fan interest. Yang humorously revealed that Slater is quite fit, prompting questions about how he knew this detail.
"They shot a whole montage after 'Popular,'" Yang explained, "just to show the audience that Fieryo, Glinda, Elphaba, Nessa, and Boq had become friends, running around in the fields, hanging out."
He continued, "There was a moment when Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater, playing Fiyero and Boq, respectively, were captured ripping their shirts off. Jonathan was supposed to be in his full shirtless glory." The scene was meant to highlight Boq's insecurity compared to Fiyero's confidence, showcasing their camaraderie and friendly rivalry.
Despite the enthusiastic response to these anecdotes, the scene was ultimately cut from the film's final version, disappointing many fans who had hoped to see Bailey and Slater in such a light-hearted and revealing moment.
However, hope remains alive as director Jon M. Chu has hinted that the scene might be included in Wicked: For Good. Both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were quizzed about the possibility during a red carpet event for the National Board of Review Awards. Grande teased, "I can't speak for Jon, but you never know. There's still a whole other movie."
Erivo added playfully, "You don't need it yet! Just wait. Patience. Things come to those who wait." Their comments suggest that while the scene is not guaranteed, there is still a chance fans might get to see it in the future.
Director Jon M. Chu, when asked about the scene, acknowledged the fan interest and expressed his own desire to include it. "People have been harassing me about it," he joked. Yet, he emphasized the importance of ensuring the scene fits naturally into the film's narrative before making a final decision.
The anticipation for Wicked: For Good is building, with fans eager to see if the shirtless scene makes the cut. The movie is set to be released on November 21, 2025, and until then, audiences will have to remain patient and hopeful.
This playful speculation over the scene highlights the excitement surrounding Wicked and its cast. The film promises to bring beloved characters to life on the big screen, and fans are eagerly awaiting any new content that deepens their connection to the story and its characters.
Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater, both accomplished actors with strong followings, contribute to the allure of Wicked with their performances. The prospect of seeing them in a more casual, friendly context adds an element of fun and relatability to the film's narrative.
As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build. Whether or not the scene ultimately appears, the buzz around Wicked: For Good is undeniable. Fans can look forward to seeing how the story unfolds and whether their hopes for the playful scene will be realized.
Stay tuned for more updates as the release of Wicked: For Good draws closer. The excitement is palpable, and whether or not the shirtless scene makes it to the final cut, there's no doubt the film will enchant audiences worldwide.
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