A highly anticipated deleted scene from the musical film *Wicked* has finally been released, showcasing a shirtless Jonathan Bailey alongside Ethan Slater. This moment has captivated fans, particularly following a revelation by comedian Bowen Yang in 2024, who described the scene during an appearance on the podcast *Just Trish*.
According to Yang, the deleted montage occurred after the song “Popular” and depicted characters Fiyero (played by Bailey) and Boq (played by Slater) enjoying a day in the fields with Glinda, Elphaba, and Nessarose, portrayed by Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Marissa Bode, respectively. The scene featured both men removing their shirts, highlighting their camaraderie. Yang detailed, “You were supposed to see Jonathan Bailey in his full shirtless glory, like flexing,” while noting Boq’s insecurity about his own physique.
The existence of the scene was later confirmed by director Jon M. Chu, who explained to *Collider* in December 2024 that it was ultimately cut from the film because it did not align with the overall tone. “It’s really funny and hilarious, but it just didn’t fit the tone of our movie at a certain point,” he stated. Despite the initial disappointment, Chu promised fans that the scene would eventually be made available, saying, “Maybe we’ll sneak that into the home video just in time.”
The scene has now become part of the bonus features for *Wicked: For Good*, set for release on December 30, 2025. A preview shared by *Entertainment Tonight* delighted fans, showing the characters engaging in playful activities such as a picnic and a game, with the shirtless Fiyero and Boq chopping wood. The scene has ignited excitement among fans and prompted a surge of fan fiction exploring their dynamic.
Fans expressed their disappointment that this scene did not make it into the final cut of the film, citing its potential to deepen the portrayal of friendships among the characters. Comments on social media reflected this sentiment, with one fan stating, “I can’t believe they removed this from the movie. This would have added such good context that they actually hung out together.” Another noted, “This scene would have been amazing in the movie to actually highlight their friendship; they should have kept it 100 percent.”
The release of this scene has reignited interest in *Wicked* and showcased the chemistry among the cast members, further solidifying their connection to the production. As fans eagerly await the home release, the anticipation for additional behind-the-scenes content continues to grow. The demand for the previously rumored photo of Bailey in character with only his boots remains high, with fans hoping for its eventual reveal. The excitement surrounding the deleted scene highlights the engagement and dedication of the *Wicked* fanbase, ensuring that the legacy of this beloved musical continues to thrive.
