TL;DR
If your house hasn't already been overtaken by pink and green sequins, buckle up. Wicked has officially completed its two-part cinematic takeover, and Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero is the "swank" center of gravity for a lot of kids (and, let’s be honest, parents) right now.
- Age Recommendation: 8+ for most, though sensitive kids might find the political themes and the "Wizard" a bit heavy.
- The Vibe: High-spectacle musical fantasy with deep messages about propaganda, friendship, and standing up for what’s right.
- The Bailey Factor: He brings a much-needed depth to Fiyero that goes beyond the "shallow prince" trope.
- Quick Links: Wicked: Part One, Wicked: Part Two, The Wizard of Oz.
Ask our chatbot if the Wicked movies are too scary for your 7-year-old
By now, you probably know Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton, where he played the brooding Anthony Bridgerton. In the Wicked movies, he takes on the role of Fiyero Tigelaar, the Winkie Prince who arrives at Shiz University with a "life is easy" attitude and a very catchy song called "Dancing Through Life."
But here’s the thing for parents: Fiyero isn't just the love interest in a love triangle between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). He’s the moral compass for the "popular" crowd. Bailey plays him with a mix of effortless charm and a growing sense of social responsibility that actually offers some great talking points for kids about peer pressure and choosing sides when things get complicated.
If your kids are obsessed with the soundtrack, they’re likely watching Jonathan Bailey’s performances on YouTube on loop. It’s definitely a "vibe," as the kids say, but it’s a relatively safe one compared to some of the other "brain rot" content floating around.
It’s not just the singing. Wicked has become a cultural touchstone for the "Ohio" generation—those kids who find the weirdness of Oz oddly relatable.
- The Glinda/Elphaba Dynamic: Every kid has felt like an outsider (Elphaba) or felt the pressure to be perfect and popular (Glinda).
- The Visuals: Director Jon M. Chu didn't hold back. From the literal fields of real tulips to the steampunk aesthetic of the Emerald City, it’s eye candy that keeps even the shorter attention spans engaged.
- The "Shipping": Whether they are "stanning" Elphaba and Fiyero or just obsessed with Glinda’s wardrobe, there is a massive community online (especially on TikTok) creating fan art and edits.
Check out our guide on how to manage TikTok fandoms and spoilers
Let’s talk about the elephant (or flying monkey) in the room. This isn't just one movie; it’s a two-part epic.
- Wicked: Part One clocks in at about 2 hours and 40 minutes, ending right after "Defying Gravity."
- Wicked: Part Two is equally long, covering the darker fallout of the war in Oz.
For younger kids, that is a lot of sitting still. If you’re watching at home, I highly recommend a built-in intermission. If you're seeing it in theaters (if it's still playing in your local budget cinema or a special screening), hit the bathroom before "Popular" starts, because you won't want to miss the back half of Part One.
While Wicked is generally family-friendly, it’s not Bluey. Here’s what to look out for:
Intense Themes & "Scary" Factors
The Wizard (played by Jeff Goldblum) is more of a manipulative politician than a bumbling old man in these films. The themes of animal rights—specifically the treatment of the Talking Animals in Oz—can be genuinely upsetting for younger children. Seeing Dr. Dillamond (the goat professor) lose his ability to speak is a heavy moment.
Also, the Flying Monkeys. If your kid was traumatized by the 1939 The Wizard of Oz, these modern versions are even more "realistic" and can be a bit much for the under-7 crowd.
Romantic Tension
Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero is, well, Jonathan Bailey. There’s some romantic tension and some "swank" dancing, but it stays firmly in the PG/PG-13 realm. It’s mostly longing glances and some "Dancing Through Life" choreography that might inspire some living room dance-offs.
Political Commentary
The movie deals heavily with propaganda and how the "villain" of a story is often just the person who speaks the truth. For older kids (10-14), this is a fantastic bridge into talking about how media and "fake news" work in the real world.
Learn more about talking to your kids about media literacy and propaganda
Look, I’ll be honest: if you don’t like musicals, this will be a long five hours of your life. But as far as "big budget" movies go, this is one of the better ones. It’s not just a cash grab; it’s a well-acted, beautifully shot exploration of female friendship.
Jonathan Bailey is a standout. He takes a character that could easily be a cardboard cutout and makes him feel like a real person struggling with his own privilege. It’s a great performance that elevates the source material.
However, be prepared for the merchandise onslaught. From Roblox "Wicked" events to themed Minecraft skins, the marketing is everywhere.
Check out our guide on how to block "Wicked" merchandise ads on your kid's devices
If you’ve just finished Part Two, your kids might have some questions. Here are a few ways to open the conversation:
- On Friendship: "Why do you think Glinda and Elphaba stayed friends even when they were on opposite sides?"
- On Fiyero: "Fiyero started out only caring about having fun. What changed his mind?"
- On The Wizard: "The Wizard said he gave people a 'common enemy' to keep them united. Does that happen in real life?"
- On Perception: "In The Wizard of Oz, we're told the Witch is evil. How does seeing her side of the story change things?"
If your kids are officially "Oz-pilled," here are some other things they might enjoy:
- The Wizard of Oz (Book): The original L. Frank Baum classic. It’s quite different from the movies!
- The Muppets' Wizard of Oz: A lighter, sillier take if the new movies were a bit too intense.
- Hamilton (Disney+): If they loved the lyrical complexity and the "changing the world" themes.
- The School for Good and Evil: Similar "magic school" vibes with a focus on friendship and subverting tropes.
Wicked is a rare win for family movie night—it’s sophisticated enough for adults and magical enough for kids. Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero is a highlight, providing a charming entry point for kids to think about character growth and integrity. Just be ready for the runtime, and maybe keep some tissues handy for the end of Part Two.
Oz has officially taken over our screens, and honestly? It’s a lot better than the usual "brain rot" alternatives.
Next Steps:
- Check the WISE score for Wicked to see how it fits your family’s specific digital boundaries.
- If you’re worried about the runtime, watch Wicked: Part One on a Friday night and save Part Two for Saturday.
- Listen to the soundtrack on Spotify together and ask your kids which lyrics they think are the most important.