Jonathan Bailey has officially hit the top of Hollywood’s power ladder, becoming the highest-grossing actor of 2025. The Wicked: For Good star, known for his dynamic performances in Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked, has achieved a remarkable feat by topping the annual box office chart. His success marks a groundbreaking moment in Hollywood’s journey towards inclusivity, making him the first out gay actor to achieve this milestone, according to Variety. And let’s face it—he’s doing it with style.
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Bailey’s rise to superstardom was turbocharged by two of the year’s biggest blockbusters: Jurassic World Rebirth ($869 million globally) and Wicked: For Good ($470 million to date), the latter of which was released only in November. Both films have earned him worldwide recognition, though let’s be honest—his undeniable chemistry with co-stars like Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Scarlett Johansson has certainly added some extra fizz to the mix.
But it’s not just his box-office numbers that have made Bailey’s year unforgettable. The actor has also made history by becoming People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2025, a title that was met with overwhelming applause on social media. Bailey’s reign isn’t just about his heartthrob status—it’s about what it means for representation in Hollywood.
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While his career has often been defined by his performances on TV—Bridgerton and the queer period drama Fellow Travelers—2025 marks the year Bailey fully transitioned into a leading man on the big screen. No fictional TV roles for him this year (with Bridgerton’s third season airing in 2024 and the fourth season slated for January). But the absence of his TV roles didn’t slow his career down; instead, it catapulted him into blockbuster territory, proving that Jonathan Bailey is here to stay—and he’s got something that makes him impossible to ignore.
Bailey himself has expressed that the industry has “changed massively” in terms of opportunities for gay actors. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, he acknowledged that the industry’s perception of gay actors is evolving, though there’s still work to be done. “You have to unlearn a lot of narratives about yourself that the industry tells you,” he said. “There are moments where you have to be excellent just to prove you can do it.” His role as Dr. Henry Loomis in Jurassic World Rebirth, a straight character, provided him with that opportunity, and he seized it with aplomb.
Jonathan Bailey: The Box-Office King Who’s Changing the Game
Jonathan Bailey’s rise is a reflection of more than just his talent—it’s about representation, too. As 2025’s highest-grossing actor, Bailey is helping change what it means to be a leading man in Hollywood. While many gay actors have been relegated to sidekick or supporting roles, Bailey’s performances in Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked are front and center. More importantly, his openly gay identity hasn’t hindered his career; if anything, it’s been a part of his charm.
In these blockbusters, he shares real chemistry with his female co-stars. His flirtatious, easygoing energy—whether it’s with Scarlett Johansson on the red carpet or in his snappy line deliveries in Wicked—injects an infectious fun into every project he’s part of. No longer is he relegated to playing “the best friend” or “the quirky sidekick.” He’s the leading man, and audiences can’t get enough of him.
Bailey’s candidness about his sexuality adds a refreshing layer to his roles, especially in films like Fellow Travelers, where his portrayal of a gay character feels authentic and unabashedly queer. It’s clear that his ability to be open about his identity has made his roles more dynamic, not less. His partnership with Scarlett Johansson in Jurassic World Rebirth is a testament to that. Their chemistry is palpable, and it doesn’t hurt that Bailey looks good doing it.
More Queer Actors, More Fun Movies
What’s clear from Jonathan Bailey’s 2025 success is that Hollywood is ready for more queer actors—actors who bring their whole, authentic selves to the screen. His performances prove that the industry benefits when it embraces diverse voices and narratives. In Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked: For Good, Bailey doesn’t just play a part—he brings flair and a spark of creativity that elevate the entire film.
Bailey’s journey isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a sign of progress for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. His success is proof that when queer actors are given the opportunity to be their authentic selves, the result is electric. Bailey’s not just breaking barriers—he’s setting new standards for what it means to be a leading man. And the best part? He’s just getting started. Here’s to more Jonathan Bailey, more queer actors, and even more unforgettable performances.
Source: Variety