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.
@fallontonight Jonathan Bailey plays the clarinet on the @Jurassic World score! #FallonTonight #JonathanBailey #JurassicWorldRebirth #JurassicWorld #JimmyFallon
“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.”
@classicfm 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
Glasses, Dinosaurs, and a Side of Talent
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.
