Actor Jonathan Bailey has withdrawn from a high-profile musical production scheduled for the Barbican in 2027. The move comes as Ariana Grande also steps away from public-facing roles, leaving the future of the production's lead pairing in flux.
A major setback for the Summer 2027 Barbican opening
The upcoming musical production at London's Barbican has lost a central pillar following Jonathan Bailey's decision to withdraw. The 38-year-old actor announced his departure via Instagram on Tuesday, September 1, citing a deep respect for the creative team. According to the report, the production is still moving forward with a planned opening in the summer of 2027.
This musical, which draws inspiration from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, represents a massive undertaking for the creative team. The production aims to honor the artistic legacy of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine while reimagining the world of Oz for a modern audience. Bailey himself described the musical as "brilliant and introspective," specifically noting the "beautiful and devoted" connection between the characters George and Dot.
Ariana Grande's retreat from the public eye
The production faces further uncertainty as Ariana Grande, 33, also steps away from her anticipated role. As Variety reported, Grande's decision to take a break from public-facing work is a response to the intense and continuous scrutiny she has faced recently. The production's account on X expressed full support for her decision to prioritize her well-being, noting that the choice was made with their complete understanding.
Despite this professional distance, Grande remains deeply connected to the Wicked universe. during a stop on her Eternal Sunshine Tour in London on August 16, the singer performed the song "For Good" alongside costar Cynthia Erivo, 39.. This moment highlighted the enduring chemistry between the performers, even as their professional paths in this specific production diverge.
The search for the next George and Dot
The central question remains: who will take over the roles that Bailey and Grande were meant to inhabit? The producers have confirmed that casting discussons are actively underway to find new talent for the characters of George and Dot. while the creative team is currently reshaping the production around a new company, they have pledged to preserve the project's original ambition and artistic integrity.
Several unknowns persist regarding the timeline and the specific direction of the new cast. While the Barbican opening remains set for 2027, it is unclear if the departure of such high-profile stars will necessitate a change in the production's scale or marketing strategy. The industry is now watching to see if the producers can secure a new lead pairing that maintains the commercial momentum of the Wicked brand, especially with Jon M. Chu already attached to bring the story to the big screen.
The loss of Bailey and Grande also raises questions about the production's ability to attract top-tier talent in a competitive Broadway and West End landscape.. With the production still years away from its 2027 debut, the creative team has a significant window to rebuild. However, replacing a pairing that combined Bailey's theatrical acclaim with Grande's massive pop stardom is a task that carries immense pressure for the producers.
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