Jonathan Bailey, best known for his role as Lord Anthony in Bridgerton, is stepping into a major new role as one of the leading stars in Jurassic World Rebirth, alongside Scarlett Johansson. In a recent Hollywood Reporter cover story, Bailey opened up about the pressure he feels being a leading man in such a massive franchise, particularly as an openly gay actor.
He acknowledged the historical weight that comes with the role and emphasized the importance of representation, noting that succeeding in this space requires a high standard of excellence to prove capability and challenge lingering prejudices.
Bailey Redefines LGBTQ Representation Through Diverse Roles in Film and Television
Bailey reflected on the evolving but still complex nature of LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry. He expressed pride in portraying characters of all types, including straight roles, which were historically off-limits for openly gay actors. Bailey noted that playing diverse roles is a powerful way to fight stereotypes and broaden public understanding of sexuality.
He sees his role in a mainstream action film as both a personal achievement and a cultural statement, helping to shift perceptions and normalize LGBTQ+ presence in all film genres.
Jonathan Bailey Breaks Barriers in Jurassic World Rebirth and Champions LGBTQ Visibility in HollywoodSince capturing hearts in Bridgerton, Bailey has built a diverse acting portfolio, including notable roles in Fellow Travelers and the upcoming Wicked film alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. This range reflects his ability to break traditional casting molds, further proving that an actor’s sexuality need not limit the roles they can play.
His latest role in Jurassic World Rebirth as paleontologist Dr. Loomis marks another milestone, as he joins the ranks of blockbuster veterans like Chris Pratt and Jeff Goldblum.
Bailey Challenges Industry Stereotypes and Explores Sexuality Beyond a Marketable Identity
Bailey has previously spoken about the discouragement he faced from within the industry regarding being open about his sexuality. In a 2021 interview with Attitude magazine, he recalled being advised by fellow gay professionals not to come out, citing fears that it could limit his career opportunities.
He criticized both the internalized shame within the LGBTQ+ community and the heteronormative structures of the industry. Bailey’s transparency and resilience serve as a counter-narrative to the cautionary tales often circulated in showbiz circles.
While acknowledging the progress made in casting gay actors in more visible roles, Bailey also expressed concern about sexuality being treated as a marketable trait rather than a personal identity. He observed a trend where actors are increasingly being selected for roles based on their comfort in discussing sexuality, raising questions about the commodification of identity.
Nonetheless, Bailey sees this evolution as a step forward, where the inclusion of out actors in mainstream projects like Jurassic World Rebirth can pave the way for a more authentic and inclusive Hollywood. The film hits theaters on July 2.