Jonathan Bailey’s Surprising Transformation From Fiyero to Scarecrow in Wicked: For Good

Credit: Shutterstock

“I wanted people to still see Fiyero inside the Scarecrow,” Jonathan Bailey says.

Jonathan Bailey is getting a lot of attention for his role in Wicked: For Good, and for good reason. His change from the confident Prince Fiyero to the Scarecrow is one of the most talked-about parts of the film. It is surprising, emotional, and very detailed.

When we first see Fiyero, he looks perfect. His hair is styled, his clothes are sharp, and he walks in like he owns the place. But in Wicked: For Good, everything changes. Time has passed, and so has the version of Fiyero we knew. The creative team wanted his new look to clearly show that shift.

The hair and makeup team kept the same basic hair shape but changed the feel completely. Instead of smooth and shiny hair, they added straw, hay, and dry grass. The idea was simple. If he is the Scarecrow, he should look like he belongs in the fields. The full transformation reportedly took about four hours each time, which is no small task.

The prosthetics were also carefully designed. The team did not want a stiff or heavy look. They used soft burlap so Jonathan Bailey could still move his face and show emotion. Even the Scarecrow’s nose was discussed again and again. The color, the size, and the shape all mattered.

One small detail made a big difference. As Fiyero, Bailey had blue eyes. As the Scarecrow, the team used his natural dark-brown eyes. It helped the character feel more grounded and real.

Under all that straw and burlap, Jonathan Bailey’s performance still shines. That is what makes this transformation work so well.