It’s conceivable that the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz would resonate with Fiyero’s melodic musings—that “life’s more painless for the brainless.”
Gregory Maguire delves into the backstories of the beloved characters Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West well before their first screen appearance in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. In this inventive prequel, the narrative unfolds at Shiz University, revealing that classic Oz figures—the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—were contemporaries of Elphaba and Glinda.
For a deeper dive into the origins of the Scarecrow, read on:
Who Is the Scarecrow?
The enigmatic identity of the Scarecrow unveils itself as Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), who undergoes a magical transformation by Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) in her quest to shield him from danger. This love interest—essentially a straw-stuffed creation devoid of a genuine mind—is perceived as both frivolous and dim-witted.
The Scarecrow debuts prominently in the latest trailer for Wicked: For Good, released in September 2025, showcasing the iconic ensemble that follows Dorothy.
What Has Jonathan Bailey Said About Playing Fiyero?
While the cast of Wicked has been coy about how Fiyero transitions from Winkie prince to a brainless scarecrow, Bailey has been open about his insights into portraying this complex character.
Bailey elaborated, “The crux of my performance began with ‘Dancing Through Life.’ Fiyero creates surrounding chaos, much like the internal chaos he experiences.” In addressing the established persona of the charming yet notorious prince, he acknowledged, “His discomfort with stillness and rules may indicate a lack of true love experienced.”
He further mused, “Disruptive behavior often reflects a longing to be seen. A psychologist, Adam Grant, once highlighted, ‘It’s a masterful portrayal of superficiality masking depth.’ That’s a sentiment I might just wear on a T-shirt!”
Who Is Fiyero in ‘Wicked’?
Fiyero makes his entrance as the charming love interest of Glinda (Ariana Grande) during a serendipitous encounter in the library at Shiz University, where he introduces the lively tune “Dancing Through Life.”
“Fiyero needs to revolutionize the emotional atmosphere and physical dynamics of the school within a single song,” Bailey remarked. “His fluid and effortless charisma allows him to navigate and evade, revealing a character that remains emotionally elusive—a real avoidant.” He also hinted at subtle clues embedded in his portrayal that foreshadow his fate.
What Happens to Fiyero in the Book and Musical?
In line with the narratives of both the book and stage adaptation, Fiyero ultimately leaves Glinda for Elphaba. Seeking to safeguard him against the Wizard’s (Jeff Goldblum) guards, Elphaba embarks on a spell that aims to keep them together. However, her attempt goes awry, leading to Fiyero’s transformation into the Scarecrow.
Wicked: For Good is set to enchant audiences when it premieres in theaters on Friday, November 21.
