Jonathan Bailey may have played one of the most desired men in Regency-era London, but when it comes to real-life romance, even Lord Bridgerton himself admits it’s a bit more complicated.
The 37-year-old actor, currently promoting his summer blockbuster Jurassic World: Rebirth, sat down with Amelia Dimoldenberg for a new episode of the beloved YouTube series Chicken Shop Date. And between bites of chicken nuggets and playful banter, Bailey peeled back the layers of his heartthrob image.
Not a Romance Pro, Actually
When asked if playing the dashing Viscount Anthony Bridgerton helped him improve his love life, Bailey didn’t hesitate to bring the fantasy back to earth.
“It’s fantasy, isn’t it? Romance is grounded and real,” he said plainly, drawing a line between Netflix’s corset-clad courtships and the messier realities of modern dating. It’s a refreshing confession, especially from someone whose screen kisses have become GIFs shared across Twitter.
Casting Chaos and Spinster Slams
The flirtation flowed freely when Dimoldenberg asked Bailey if she’d fit into the Bridgerton universe. Though he joked he lacked casting power, he offered to “put in a word.” As for her role? Bailey teased she’d be “really uptight,” maybe even “a potential spinster,” prompting an exaggerated reaction from the unflappable host.
It’s all part of the show’s charm, awkward pauses, dry humor, and celebrities caught slightly off-guard in a chicken shop. And Bailey? He fit right in.
Jurassic Jumps and Internet Thirst
Bailey stars alongside Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali in Jurassic World: Rebirth, where he plays Dr. Henry Loomis, one of the film’s undeniable highlights, according to early reviews. While reactions to the film itself have been mixed, critics agree: Bailey is a standout.
The Glasses Heard ‘Round the Internet
Of course, no Jonathan Bailey appearance is complete without talk of his now-iconic “slutty little glasses,” which became a viral obsession online. On Chicken Shop Date, the topic was impossible to avoid, and Bailey leaned in.
He’s even collaborated with eyewear brand Cubitts to create a limited edition pair of specs, with proceeds benefiting his LGBTQ+ nonprofit, the Shameless Fund. Talk about using fashion for a good cause.
Fans Already Calling It a Classic
With sizzling chemistry, heartfelt honesty, and a shared love of nuggets and chips, this date might just become one of the most memorable Chicken Shop sit-downs yet.
The Bridgerton heartthrob, currently starring in Jurassic World Rebirth and soon to appear in the sequel, Wicked: For Good, recently revealed he did more than just act in the blockbuster dino flick. While promoting the film on The Tonight Show, Bailey shared the ultimate theater-kid-meets-Hollywood-composer story: he played a clarinet solo in the actual score of the movie, and yes, it made it into the final cut.
A Nerdy Dream Comes True
“It really was the highlight of my career,” Bailey told Fallon, adding, “The nerd in me erupted like Vesuvius.”
While rehearsing Richard II in London, Bailey got word from Jurassic World Rebirth director Gareth Edwards that composer Alexandre Desplat would be recording the score at Abbey Road Studios, just a short walk away. Naturally, Bailey stopped by to geek out over the 105-piece orchestra, which was incorporating elements of John Williams’ original Jurassic Park music.
“As the week progressed,” Bailey recalled, “I came back and I was like, ‘Can I bring my clarinet?’” He admitted he hadn’t played since school, but just wanted to hit a single note, even if it was “slightly sharp,” to feel part of the magic.
From Spectator to Soloist
That innocent ask turned into an actual contribution. After shadowing professional clarinetists during the sessions, Bailey was invited to play small background notes. Then came a pivotal moment: a clarinet solo meant to introduce his character, Dr. Henry Loomis, as he sees a dinosaur for the first time.
“I said I couldn’t do it,” Bailey confessed, recalling the intimidation of playing alongside world-class musicians. But when the solo came back around, Desplat told him, “It’s now or never.”
“I just went, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’” And just like that, the Bridgerton beau picked up his clarinet and played the official theme of his own Jurassic World character, now immortalized in the score.
A Full Circle Moment
Bailey’s emotional connection to the clarinet dates back to 1993, the same year the original Jurassic Park film premiered, when his grandfather gifted him his very first clarinet. That childhood spark came roaring back to life in the most unexpected way.
“It just shows that if you find something you love and you commit to it, you never know how it comes full circle,” Bailey reflected. “But honestly, it was so emotional.”
If you needed any more proof of his talent… 🦖 While in London performing the titular role in ‘Richard II’ at the Bridge Theatre, actor Jonathan Bailey paid a visit to Abbey Road Studios, where Alexandre Desplat was recording the score for the new ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ film with a 105-strong orchestra. Originally happy enough just to sit in on the session, Bailey was invited by Desplat to play the clarinet solo for his character in the film. 🎥 Universal Studios
While fans are already swooning over Bailey’s dashing performance as the dino-loving Dr. Loomis, many are also thirsting over his “slutty little glasses,” a nickname affectionately coined by the internet during the Jurassic World press tour. And now, knowing he can slay a clarinet solo and a slow-motion dinosaur gaze? Yeah, we’re all doomed.
Jurassic World Rebirth is now playing in theaters. Bailey stans, assemble, and bring your clarinets.
Jonathan Bailey, star of stage, screen, and sass, has turned an internet moment into a charitable fashion statement. The out British actor has teamed up with London-based eyewear brand Cubitts to release a limited-edition pair of sunglasses dubbed “Loomis”- inspired by the now-iconic frames he wore during the Jurassic World: Rebirth press tour.
Fans affectionately dubbed the dainty specs his “sluttly little glasses,” and rather than shy away from the viral attention, Bailey leaned in with style and purpose. The actor, best known for Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers, is using the moment to raise funds for The Shameless Fund, the LGBTQIA+ charity he founded in 2024.
“I’ve worn Cubitts for nearly a decade—they’re a powerhouse brand with serious style, headed by a super cool team. It was a no-brainer for Dr. Henry Loomis to wear them,” Bailey said in a statement, referencing his character in the Jurassic World reboot.
Cubitts and Jonathan Bailey collab.
Rose-Tinted and Ready for Change
Available for preorder now on Cubitts’ website, the Loomis sunglasses are as bold as their backstory. Crafted from sleek stainless steel with fine metal lines, black acetate temple tips, and Bailey-approved soft pink lenses, the frames serve minimalist chic with a flirty twist. The sunglasses retail for £150 (approximately $250 USD) and come with a pink-lined case and a cleaning cloth illustrated by Bailey himself—available separately for superfans.
But this isn’t just a fashion drop – it’s a mission. The first 3,000 units sold will donate 50% of proceeds to The Shameless Fund. Sales beyond that point will contribute an even larger 75% of each unit price to the charity, which focuses on empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals to live boldly and unapologetically.
“This is a pair of glasses that make everyone look sexy, feel sexy, and make the world seem sexier,” Bailey said. “Right now, we all could use a rose-tinted perspective. Go wild!”
A Queer-Centered Collaboration
The collaboration marks The Shameless Fund’s first official partnership of 2025 and sets the tone for what Bailey describes as a year of joyful activism. The charity, launched after Bailey’s string of major career milestones, supports queer voices through grants, mentorship, and community projects around identity, visibility, and creative expression.
Cubitts, founded in 2012, is known for its craftsmanship, sustainability ethos, and modernist design. The brand offers repair services and bespoke fittings, making the Loomis collection not just meaningful, but built to last.
So whether you’re a longtime Bailey stan or just looking for an excuse to serve face this summer, the Loomis sunglasses bring a perfect mix of cheeky style and real impact.
They’re hot, they’re helpful, and they’re just slutty enough.
Preorders are available now at cubitts.com. Quantities are limited, but the vibe? Infinite.
As Jurassic World Rebirth charges into theaters this July, it’s not just the dinosaurs capturing attention—it’s also the leading man at the film’s helm. Jonathan Bailey, best known for his breakout role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’sBridgerton, is stepping into his biggest role yet as Dr. Loomis in the upcoming summer blockbuster. But for Bailey, this milestone carries more than just box office expectations—it’s a moment loaded with personal and cultural significance.
In a recent cover story for The Hollywood Reporter, Jonathan Bailey opened up about the challenges and weight of being an openly gay actor headlining a major Hollywood franchise. He admitted that while representation has evolved, the pressure to be “excellent” still lingers—particularly when breaking through longstanding industry norms. “There are moments where, yes, you feel like you have to be excellent just to prove you can do it,” Bailey, 37, told THR. “There’s the weight of history, and the many brilliant people who came before who’ve changed how we talk about sexuality.”
Bailey’s comments touch on a wider conversation in Hollywood—how LGBTQ+ actors, particularly gay men, have historically faced obstacles when it comes to landing leading roles, especially those involving straight characters. While the tide has shifted, Bailey notes that the journey is far from over. “Being an out gay actor, historically, meant you wouldn’t be able to play straight—and there weren’t many gay parts to play, either,” he said. “That’s changed massively. But there’s still work to do.”
From Period Dramas to Prehistoric Adventures
Bailey’s transition from corsets and candlelight in Bridgerton to roaring dinosaurs in Jurassic World Rebirth is a testament to his versatility as an actor. In this latest installment of the Jurassic franchise, he stars opposite Scarlett Johansson, playing a paleontologist thrust into chaos when genetically resurrected dinosaurs threaten humanity once again.
Directed by Gareth Edwards, Jurassic World Rebirth is the latest chapter in a billion-dollar franchise that has previously been led by the likes of Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, Chris Pratt, and Bryce Dallas Howard. The 2025 ensemble cast also features Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Luna Blaise.
Bailey’s Dr. Loomis is a grounded, intellectually curious figure—a far cry from some of the franchise’s more rugged action heroes. But his inclusion in the central role signals something more important: that LGBTQ+ actors can carry genre-defining, mass-appeal films without compromise.
Bechir Sylvain, Jonathan Bailey, and Scarlett Johansson. Photo: Universal Pictures
The Quiet Power of Queer Leadership
Bailey’s role isn’t just significant because of his character, but because of the real-world implications of his casting. LGBTQ+ actors have long been relegated to supporting roles, particularly in action and adventure films. His casting, alongside established stars like Johansson and Ali, sends a clear message that queerness is not a limitation—it’s part of the modern leading man.
In interviews and past conversations, Bailey has consistently spoken about the paradox of queer visibility in Hollywood. In a 2021 Attitude magazine feature, he reflected on being discouraged from coming out by others in the industry—many of them gay men themselves. “The most conservative conversations I’ve had about being honest about my sexuality came from other gay men in the industry,” he said at the time. “They’d say, ‘Don’t come out—you’ll limit your career.’”
That fear is one Bailey chose not to abide by. Instead, he’s built a post-Bridgerton resume that includes high-profile projects like Showtime’s Fellow Travelers, where he starred opposite Matt Bomer in a sweeping historical gay romance, and the upcoming Wicked film adaptation, where he plays Prince Fiyero alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
For Bailey, the most powerful response to any lingering prejudice is simply showing up and doing the work. “Any sort of prejudice against sexuality is something to fight against,” he told THR. “And what better way to do that than to go play any kind of character—gay or straight, hero or villain.”
When Representation Becomes Commodity
While Bailey celebrates the strides made in recent years, he’s also acutely aware of the commercialization of queer identity in entertainment. He points to the emerging trend of studios seeking gay actors explicitly for LGBTQ+ roles—as both a positive step and a cautionary tale. “It’s great that we’re no longer encouraging people to hide who they are,” Bailey said. “But it’s also telling that sexuality is becoming a commodity. That we still have to make sure it’s authentic, not just a checkbox.”
It’s a nuanced perspective that cuts through the rainbow-colored marketing of Pride Month and gets to the heart of what real inclusivity looks like: casting LGBTQ+ actors not just in LGBTQ+ roles, but in any role—because they’re right for the part.
A Blockbuster with a Message
Jurassic World Rebirth may be a spectacle-driven thriller on the surface, but its casting choices—and the conversations they spark—add an extra layer of meaning. At a time when queer rights and representation are under scrutiny across the globe, Bailey’s presence in the film is both powerful and political.
He’s not just running from raptors—he’s running toward a future where actors like him don’t need to justify their place at the top of the call sheet. “There are people now—just like I was—using the internet or cinema to figure out who they are,” Bailey said. “We owe it to them to make sure they see people like them on screen. People who are strong. People who matter.”
Jurassic World Rebirth stomps into theaters July 2.
