Fans Fume Over Axed Shirtless Scene in Wicked: For Good
A recently revealed deleted scene from Wicked: For Good, featuring Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater, has left fans frustrated and demanding answers. Discover why this cut has sparked such a reaction.
When a previously unseen scene from Wicked: For Good surfaced online, punters were quick to voice their disappointment. The much-hyped film, which hit cinemas last November, had quietly left out a moment showing Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater baring their chests during a woodland outing. Now that the footage has been made public, many reckon they missed out on a bit of cinematic fun.
Entertainment Tonight dropped the clip, and it didn’t take long for social media to light up. Fans were quick to take the mickey out of the decision to leave the scene on the cutting room floor, with some calling it a ‘crime against humanity’ and others demanding a director’s cut. The montage in question featured Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, Boq, and Nessarose enjoying a day in the bush, with Bailey and Slater showing off their physiques. The reaction online was swift and passionate:
Deleting this was actually a crime against humanity. ET thank you for your service because I am NOT okay right now. 💀
We were robbed! Petition for the director's cut with all the deleted scenes🔥
I think This deleted scene was cute & The best part was Jonathan Bailey (Prince Fiyero) taking off His shirt & Chop The Tree with AX But at the same time I got ask Why did John M. Chun cut That scene??? It shouldn't been cut!!! 🤔🤦♀️
no way they axed the shirtless bros scene
It turns out this wasn’t the only moment left out of the final cut. Word is, several other scenes might be included in the digital release, though that’s yet to be confirmed.
Director Jon M. Chu Explains the Cut
The scene, which would have added a bit of mateship to the story, was originally filmed for the first instalment. Director Jon M. Chu shared in an earlier interview that he held back some footage, unsure if it might be needed for the sequel. He said, “There’s certain footage that I can’t release because I don’t know if I’m going to use it yet.”
Bowen Yang, who also appears in the film, mentioned on a podcast that the scene was meant to slot in between the musical number Popular and a classroom sequence. He described how Fiyero was in his ‘full shirtless glory’, prompting Boq to follow suit out of insecurity. The moment was intended to highlight the dynamic between the characters, but ultimately didn’t make the final version.
Digital Release to Feature Deleted Scenes
With fans keen to see what else was left out, there’s talk that the digital edition of Wicked: For Good will include a handful of cut scenes. Reports suggest two versions are on the way, with one offering a sing-along, director’s commentary, a behind-the-scenes doco, and six deleted scenes—including the much-discussed friendship montage.
The film, directed by Jon M. Chu and distributed by Universal Pictures, premiered on 21 November 2025. It’s currently sitting at 67% on Rotten Tomatoes. The digital release, set for 30 December, will give fans another chance to catch what they missed in cinemas.
How do you feel about the missing scene? Let us know your thoughts below.
Wicked: For Good will be available to rent or buy digitally from 30 December.