The Cut Scene: 5 Shocking Details About Jonathan Bailey And Ariana Grande’s ‘Too Passionate’ Wicked Collaboration

The on-screen chemistry between Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande has become one of the most talked-about elements of the highly anticipated *Wicked* film adaptation, set to fly into theaters in two parts: *Wicked* (2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025). As of December 11, 2025, the buzz isn't just about their pitch-perfect casting as the dashing Fiyero and the bubbly Glinda, but a surprising revelation from the set: a "passionate" scene between the two stars was filmed but ultimately left on the cutting room floor.

This deep dive explores the real reason behind the controversial edit, the intimate details of their collaboration, and the massive projects both stars are juggling outside of the Land of Oz. Their dynamic is more than just a musical love triangle; it's a fresh, modern take on one of Broadway's most beloved stories, proving that sometimes, what you *don't* see is just as important as what you do.

I. The Stars of Oz: Jonathan Bailey & Ariana Grande Complete Biography & Recent Projects

Before they were the romantic leads of the biggest movie musical of the decade, Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande built careers that span the stage, screen, and music charts. Here is a complete profile of the two global icons:

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Jonathan Bailey: From Regency Rake to Winkie Prince

• Full Name: Jonathan Stuart Bailey
• Date of Birth: April 25, 1988 (Age 37)
• Place of Birth: Benson, Oxfordshire, England
• Career Highlights: Olivier Award winner for *Company* (2019). Gained global recognition as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix's *Bridgerton* (2020–present). Critically acclaimed for his role as Tim Laughlin in the political miniseries *Fellow Travelers* (2023).
• Role in *Wicked*: Fiyero Tigelaar, the love interest of both Glinda and Elphaba.
• Upcoming Projects: *Wicked: For Good* (2025), *Jurassic World: Rebirth* (2025), and Season 4 of *Bridgerton* (2026).
• Fun Fact: Bailey has been widely praised for making his character, Fiyero, "a much more interesting" and complex figure in the film adaptation, exploring a "brutal and dark" yearning before he meets Elphaba.

Ariana Grande: Pop Icon to Good Witch

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Date of Birth: June 26, 1993 (Age 32)
• Place of Birth: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Career Highlights: One of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of over 90 million records. Grammy Award winner and known for a four-octave vocal range. Starred in Nickelodeon's *Victorious* and *Sam & Cat*. Launched the successful R.E.M. Beauty brand.
• Role in *Wicked*: Glinda Upland, the Good Witch.
• Recent Music/Projects: Released her Grammy-nominated seventh studio album, *Eternal Sunshine* (2024), with a rumored mini-tour to follow in 2026.
• Fun Fact: Grande was cast as Glinda in November 2021, a role she had dreamed of playing since childhood, often referencing the original Broadway production.

II. The Shocking Reason a 'Passionate' Kiss Was Cut From Wicked: For Good

The most intriguing and recent piece of news surrounding the *Wicked* films involves a romantic sequence between Glinda and Fiyero that was filmed for the second part, *Wicked: For Good*, but ultimately removed from the final cut.

The Scene Was 'Too Passionate'

Screenwriter Dana Fox revealed that a "passionate" kissing scene between Ariana Grande's Glinda and Jonathan Bailey's Fiyero was shot. However, the creative team, including director Jon M. Chu, made the difficult decision to excise the moment.

The description of the scene as "too passionate" has fueled fan speculation about the intense on-screen chemistry between the two actors, suggesting their portrayal of the characters' attraction was highly convincing.

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The Real Narrative Reason for the Edit

According to Fox, the choice to cut the scene was not due to the quality of the performance, but a crucial narrative decision "for pacing" and to protect the core relationship of the story.

The primary focus of *Wicked* is the profound friendship and journey of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda. The screenwriter explained that a moment of intense romance between Glinda and Fiyero would have fundamentally altered the audience's perception of Glinda's character arc and the central dynamic with Elphaba.

By removing the scene, the film maintains the necessary emotional distance and ambiguity in Glinda's romantic life, ensuring that the audience remains focused on the complex, evolving bond between the two witches.

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III. Off-Screen Chemistry: Pizza, Pineapples, and Promotional Buzz

While one passionate scene didn't make the final cut, the undeniable chemistry between Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande has been on full display during the promotional tour for the films. Their collaboration extends beyond the Land of Oz, creating a strong topical authority around their professional friendship.

The New York Times Cooking 'Pizza Interview'

In a recent, highly-viewed promotional piece, the two stars appeared in a New York Times Cooking video, affectionately dubbed "The Pizza Interview," where they made a pizza together.

This casual setting offered fans a glimpse into their relaxed, humorous dynamic. The highlight of the video was a lighthearted debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza, with Bailey giving a famously blunt answer against the topping.

These intimate interactions, though purely platonic and promotional, showcase the genuine rapport that helped translate into their on-screen chemistry as Glinda and Fiyero.

Bailey's Praise for the Collaboration

Jonathan Bailey has frequently spoken about the joy of working closely with both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, calling them "close collabs." He has emphasized the deep bond formed on the set, a necessity given the intense, multi-year production schedule for the two-part film.

The success of the *Wicked* film hinges on the audience believing in the complicated, intertwined relationships between Glinda, Elphaba, and Fiyero. The off-screen friendship and mutual respect between Grande and Bailey are clear indicators of the professional dedication they brought to these iconic roles. Their ability to generate such a strong reaction—even a scene deemed "too passionate" to keep—is a testament to their compelling partnership.

IV. The Future of Glinda and Fiyero Beyond Oz

With *Wicked* Part One now released and the sequel, *Wicked: For Good*, set for 2025, the careers of Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande are on an even steeper trajectory.

Bailey is transitioning from his *Bridgerton* fame to a major cinematic icon, balancing the regency romance with the blockbuster action of the *Jurassic World* franchise. Meanwhile, Grande continues to dominate the music industry with *Eternal Sunshine* while furthering her acting career in one of the most anticipated film events of the decade.

The enduring legacy of their collaboration will undoubtedly be the *Wicked* films, which have already generated massive buzz and curiosity—especially over the hidden moments, like the infamous cut kiss, that hint at the powerful, passionate performances delivered by Glinda and Fiyero. Fans are already hoping for the "too passionate" scene to be included as an extra on the home release, ensuring the Glinda-Fiyero dynamic remains a hot topic long after the credits roll.