Fans Furious Over Cut Shirtless Jonathan Bailey Scene in Wicked 2
A recently revealed deleted scene showing Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater without shirts has sparked major fan outrage, with viewers calling the decision to cut it from the final film a travesty.
Movie fans are up in arms after discovering that a deleted scene featuring shirtless Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater was cut from the final version of Wicked: For Good. The footage, which surfaced online through Entertainment Tonight, has left audiences feeling cheated out of what they're calling essential viewing material.
The woodland montage showed the main characters - Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, Boq, and Nessarose - enjoying a day outdoors, with Bailey and Slater removing their shirts to display their impressive physiques. Social media exploded with disappointed reactions from viewers who felt robbed of this cinematic moment.
Social Media Erupts Over Missing Footage
Twitter users didn't hold back their frustration. One fan wrote: "Deleting this was actually a crime against humanity. ET thank you for your service because I am NOT okay right now." Another demanded justice, posting: "We were robbed! Petition for the director's cut with all the deleted scenes."
The backlash continued with fans questioning the decision-making process. "I think This deleted scene was cute & The best part was Jonathan Bailey (Prince Fiyero) taking off His shirt & Chop The Tree with AX But at the same time I got ask Why did John M. Chun cut That scene??? It shouldn't been cut!!!" wrote one disappointed viewer.
Director Explains the Creative Decision
Director Jon M. Chu previously addressed the missing footage during a Billboard interview, revealing he originally filmed the sequence for the first movie but held it back for potential use in the sequel. "There's certain footage that I can't release because I don't know if I'm going to use it yet," he explained at the time.
Bowen Yang provided additional context during his appearance on the Just Trish Podcast, describing how the sequence was meant to fit between the Popular musical number and a classroom scene. He detailed Bailey's character appearing in "full shirtless glory" while his character Boq felt insecure and decided to follow suit by removing his shirt as well.
Extended Digital Version Promises More Content
Reports suggest that Wicked: For Good's digital release will include two versions, with the extended cut featuring six deleted scenes, including the controversial friendship montage. The enhanced edition will also offer sing-along capabilities, director commentary, and behind-the-scenes documentary content.
The digital version becomes available for rental and purchase on December 30, giving fans hope they'll finally get to see the complete vision. With a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has generated significant buzz, though this latest revelation about cut content has added fuel to fan discussions about what could have been.