The first part of the long-anticipated Wicked film is a little over a month away, but star Bowen Yang is already sharing his insider knowledge with the gays. Speaking on his podcast, Yang revealed the bisexual energy one star has brought to their role.
Related
Yang and co-host Matt Rogers are celebrating 400 episodes of their hit podcast Las Culturistas by going through a list of the 400 most iconic pop culture figures. Coming in at number 336 is a character from the Wicked movie, Fiyero Tiggular—or specifically, “Fiyeros played by gay men. Likely all Fiyeros.”
Fiyero, who is portrayed by Jonathan Bailey in the upcoming movie, is a prince who becomes one of Elphaba’s (Cynthia Erivo) only friends at school. Although friendship quickly blossoms into flirtation, Yang notes that there is a serious queer aura to the character.
Culture, unfiltered
Twice a week, our newsletter will bring you the pulse of queer culture, from the tastemakers to the groundbreakers.
Yang and Rogers start with a list of the gay actors who have portrayed Fiyero on stage. “We don’t want to say all of them are gay,” Yang says. “But Nick Adams…”
“He’s gay,” Rogers replies.
“No, I’m just saying I’m listing off Fiyeros,” Yang says.
“Jonathan Bailey is gay!” Rogers adds.
The two then digress to discuss Bailey’s interpretation of the role in the movie. Of the two, Yang—who plays Pfannee, part of Galinda’s (Arianna Grande) popular clique—is certainly the authority. And his character might even boast more intimate knowledge of what it is about Fiyero that pings everyone’s gaydar.
The hosts note that Bailey’s character poster has Fiyero “showing his a**,” giving fans a tease of the kind of energy he’s bringing to the role. “It’s giving tush,” says Rogers. “It’s giving tushy.”
Yang confirms that that’s not all Bailey’s portrayal is giving. “Jonathan Bailey—I’m going to spoil it,” he says. “He gives an unspoken bisexual energy to Fiyero in the movie. It’s incredible.”
“Really?” says Rogers. “I feel that that is believable.”
“Pfannee and Fiyero might have a moment,” Yang teases.
Luckily, we won’t have to wait long to see what that moment entails. Wicked Part 1 releases in theaters on November 22.
Sign up for the INTO newsletter and get your twice-weekly dose of stories that shape the queer experience, culture, and lifestyle.
