Jonathan Bailey Dominates 2025 as Box Office Champion and Cultural Icon

1 January 2026 Film and Television

A Record-Breaking Year for Jonathan Bailey

British actor Jonathan Bailey has cemented his status as 2025’s undisputed box office champion, making history as the highest-grossing actor of 2025. The 37-year-old star achieved this remarkable feat through just two blockbuster films: Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked: For Good. Bailey’s films have earned $1.2 billion, solidifying his position at the pinnacle of Hollywood’s commercial success.

From Bridgerton to Box Office Royalty

Bailey’s journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. Jurassic World: Rebirth surged to $339.6 million domestically and $868.8 million worldwide after its July release, while Wicked: For Good opened to an impressive $150 million domestically and $226 million worldwide in its first weekend. His portrayal of Prince Fiyero in the Wicked sequel has captivated audiences globally, following his beloved role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s hit series.

Historic Recognition and Representation

Beyond box office success, Bailey received another prestigious honour in November when People bestowed its 2025 Sexiest Man Alive title on English actor Jonathan Bailey. Jonathan Bailey has been crowned People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive 2025,’ making history as its first openly gay recipient. This recognition represents a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream entertainment.

Taking Time for What Matters

Despite his phenomenal success, Bailey has announced plans to step back from new acting projects. He plans to ‘stop acting for a bit’ in 2026 as he prepares to focus more energy on The Shameless Fund, the LGBTQ charity Bailey launched last summer. However, ‘I’m not taking the whole of 2026 off’, he clarified, and Bailey is expected to reprise his role as Anthony Bridgerton when the Netflix phenomenon returns in January.

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Jonathan Bailey’s 2025 represents more than commercial triumph—it marks a transformative moment for representation in cinema. His dedication to The Shameless Fund demonstrates his commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ causes and creating infrastructure for those facing discrimination. As he balances unprecedented professional success with meaningful philanthropy, Bailey exemplifies how modern stars can leverage their platform for positive change whilst continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.