How Jonathan Bailey Is Changing Hollywood as 2025’s Top-Grossing Actor

As 2025 draws to a close, Jonathan Bailey is the year’s highest-grossing actor, thanks to his roles in “Jurassic World Rebirth” (which made some $869 million globally) and “Wicked: For Good” ($468.3 million to date).

Neither of these movies were sold solely on Bailey’s participation — both benefit from the infusion of energy and life the actor provides. Bailey’s climbing to the top of the Hollywood heap is a pivot point in his journey from “Bridgerton” standout to anointed leading man, just as was his selection, earlier this year, as People’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” In both of those moments — his status as top box-office star and the People cover — he was breaking a barrier. Bailey is the first out gay man to be the box-office champ, and the fact that it barely feels notable at all is itself notable.

Bailey came out in…