Wicked star Jeff Goldblum dishes on working with “sex god” Jonathan Bailey and reacts to Netflix’s Kaos cancellation

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Jeff Goldblum, famous for films like Jurassic Park, The Fly, and Independence Day, is now playing the Wizard of Oz. He first appeared in last year’s award-winning film Wicked, which tells the story of how the characters in The Wizard of Oz came to be, based on the popular stage musical. Now, he’s returning to the role in the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good.

Before you landed this part, did you enjoy the classic movie The Wizard of Oz, or were you a fan of the Wicked stage show?

I’ve loved that movie since I was a child. Judy Garland’s voice and the songs are just incredible – she was such a talented performer. It’s a classic fairy tale, and the line ‘There’s no place like home’ really resonates with me – it feels like it’s about finding comfort in your memories or imagination. I saw the Broadway version twenty years ago, and I was already emotional just looking at the show’s posters. By the end of the performance, I was completely overwhelmed with feeling.

The new movie features a really impressive musical number where I get to sing and dance alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play Elphaba and Glinda. It was a lot of fun – what was it like being a part of that?

This movie is fantastic! Many film adaptations of musicals fall flat, but this one brilliantly captures the energy of a live stage performance while still feeling like a natural, well-acted movie. Fans are going to love it, and I think its impressive complexity – it’s really quite ambitious – might be overlooked.

Were you nervous about performing with two hugely successful professional singers?

There’s a lot riding on this, and everyone involved feels the pressure. This show is a cultural phenomenon, and adapting it for the big screen was challenging. Thankfully, they really nailed it, and fans are loving the result. I felt a huge sense of responsibility – I always put my all into acting, but with this project, I especially didn’t want to disappoint anyone.

You’re a very musical person, though, aren’t you?

I read that you made friends with Stephen Fry, too. Do you like British people?

I’m completely captivated by this place! It feels like stepping into my favorite stories. My career actually started with Shakespeare – I was involved in a production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. It’s funny, I was also an extra in The Tall Guy, which was Emma Thompson’s very first film! And believe it or not, Jurassic World: Dominion filmed right here. I’ve always been a huge fan of P.G. Wodehouse – I’ve read everything he’s written – and I even had the chance to meet Dudley Moore once. I feel a real connection to everything British, I’m a total Anglophile, you could say.

Jonathan Bailey, your co-star from Wicked, was just named People magazine’s “sexiest man alive.” You famously did some very glamorous photoshoots in the past, often with your shirt open. Do you think he’s taking over that role now?

Look, I’m a huge fan, okay? But let’s be real – the idea that I could be considered on Jonathan Bailey’s level? No way. I’m way too grounded for that. He’s just…magnetic. Honestly, I admire him so much, and there’s absolutely no rivalry there – with him or anyone else, really. I’m just happy to watch a talent like his shine.

What even is cool? I’ve really enjoyed pretending to be a scientist – something that wasn’t always seen as cool in the past. My dad was a doctor, and I always respected his knowledge, so I thought it would be fun to approach science with a little creativity and flair. I don’t intentionally try to be cool, but I’m definitely inspired by the energy and excitement of jazz.

Many people say you’re very kind and pleasant in person, but have you ever considered playing a truly villainous character?

I once played the devil in a show, and it was a pretty flamboyant performance! I generally enjoy playing characters who are very different from myself, because it’s interesting to explore other ways of thinking and behaving. And my take on the Wizard of Oz isn’t simply a good or bad guy – I think everyone has complexities and shades of gray.

I was really excited to see Kaos on Netflix last year, and I loved being part of it. It’s a shame to hear it’s been cancelled, and honestly, yeah, I was pretty disappointed. I was hoping for another season!

You know, as a movie fan, it’s funny how timing plays a role in whether a film really connects. Scorsese’s right – some movies just work, and others don’t, and it’s often out of your hands. Personally, I’m really proud of what we achieved on this one. I had an amazing time making it, I loved the character I played, and I genuinely believe we created something special.

You have a great CV, but is there still a role on your bucket list?

There are so many potential projects and directors I’d love to collaborate with. It’s a great time for female directors like Jane Campion, Lynne Ramsay, Sofia Coppola, and Rebecca Miller, who are all doing fantastic work. I believe my most impactful work is still to come, and I’m hopeful for the chance to prove it. I’m feeling creatively inspired right now – it’s a welcome and wonderful surprise.

You can now watch Wicked: Part I on Amazon Prime Video. And Wicked: For Good is playing in movie theaters across the UK.

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2025-11-28 20:08