Bailey was very aware of this when he took on the role, but explained to RadioTimes.com that although he was very well informed by those who came before him, there was a way in which he felt he could put his own stamp on the character could print.

“Norbert Leo Butz – I had never seen him perform, but obviously there are clips online, and I listened to a lot of people’s versions of Fiyero to… just because I loved the musical over time,” explained he expresses during an exclusive interview.

“But I think the one thing that I saw as an opportunity, especially if it’s on film, is to… in the moments of silence around the script, you know, there are very lean but brilliant moments with Fiyero, and to to expand and to really capture the kind of nuance of what exactly happens when the mask falls and this idea of ​​authenticity and being who you really are.

He continued: “And of course we know that Fiyero has a completely transformative arc. So basically there was just a chance that, obviously, on stage all the performances are great, but there are just… there are little moments where you can maybe get close to it.

“So that’s what I wanted to explore.”

Bailey and Jeff Goldblum – who plays the pivotal role of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the film – have built something of a bond during the press tour for the film, and the Jurassic Park star was full of praise for Bailey’s interpretation of the character. , noting that it was “beautifully done”.

“What Fiyero!” he added. “And Norbert Leo Butz, you know, I saw him in this because I saw the original, and then I saw him in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and then I did Criminal Intent, we had an episode together. He’s great. But you are .” the definitive Fiyero, one for all ages!

“And yeah, I like that theme of what you’re saying, of finding your true self, you know?,” he added. “And it reminded me of what is the credo of Popeye the Sailor. You know what he says: ‘I am, what I am, and that’s all I am. I am Popeye the Sailor Man,’ but in our case: ‘I am Fiyero!'”

Wicked: Part One is now in UK cinemas.

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