Fans Fume Over Axed Shirtless Scene in ‘Wicked: For Good’
A recently revealed deleted scene from ‘Wicked: For Good’ has left fans frustrated, as a much-anticipated moment featuring Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater was cut from the final film. Discover why this decision has sparked such a reaction.
Audiences have been left rather disgruntled after a previously unseen sequence from Wicked: For Good surfaced online, showing Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater in a scene that never made it to cinemas. The much-talked-about film, which debuted last November, has now become the centre of a minor storm as fans realise they missed out on what many are calling a highlight.
The clip, shared by Entertainment Tonight, quickly made the rounds on social media, prompting a flurry of responses. The footage features Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, Boq, and Nessarose enjoying a day in the woods, with Bailey and Slater’s characters removing their shirts to reveal impressively toned physiques. The reaction was swift and passionate, with one fan declaring,
Deleting this was actually a crime against humanity. ET thank you for your service because I am NOT okay right now. 💀
Others echoed the sentiment, with calls for a director’s cut and questions about the decision to leave the scene on the cutting room floor.
Director’s Rationale and Cast Insights
Director Jon M. Chu has addressed the omission, explaining in a previous interview that he filmed the scene for the first instalment but held back from including it, considering its potential use in the sequel. He remarked,
There’s certain footage that I can’t release because I don’t know if I’m going to use it yet
—a statement that has only fuelled speculation among the fanbase.
Bowen Yang, who also appears in the film, shed further light on the matter during a podcast appearance. He described the scene as taking place between the musical number Popular and a classroom sequence, with Fiyero in what he called his
full shirtless glory
and Boq, feeling a bit self-conscious, following suit. The moment was intended to highlight the camaraderie among the group, a dynamic that some viewers now feel was missing from the final cut.
Digital Release and Additional Deleted Scenes
Speculation is mounting that the much-discussed scene, along with several others, may be included in upcoming digital releases. Reports suggest that two versions will be made available, one of which will feature a sing-along option, director’s commentary, a behind-the-scenes documentary, and six deleted scenes—including the now-infamous woodland montage.
For those keeping track, Wicked: For Good was directed by Jon M. Chu and distributed by Universal Pictures, with its initial release on 21 November 2025. The film currently holds a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The digital edition, set for release on 30 December, is expected to offer fans a more comprehensive look at what was left out of the theatrical version.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
The outcry over the missing scene has been notable, with social media users expressing everything from disappointment to outright indignation. One particularly vocal fan wrote,
We were robbed! Petition for the director's cut with all the deleted scenes🔥
while another questioned the director’s judgement,
I think This deleted scene was cute & The best part was Jonathan Bailey (Prince Fiyero) taking off His shirt & Chop The Tree with AX But at the same time I got ask Why did John M. Chun cut That scene??? It shouldn't been cut!!! 🤔🤦♀️
As anticipation builds for the digital release, many are hoping that the additional content will finally satisfy their curiosity. Whether or not the inclusion of these scenes will quell the uproar remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the decision to cut the woodland sequence has left a lasting impression on the film’s audience.