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’s Bridgerton, 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.
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.
