Jonathan Bailey Says Cynthia Erivo Is 'Incredible' in Wicked Movies: 'It's Going to Blow People's Minds' (Exclusive) 

Jonathan Bailey couldn't be more eager for audiences to see him tackle another new role next year — and for good reason.

In the hotly-anticipated film version of Wicked, which will be split into two parts, the British actor plays Fiyero, the love interest of Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo. Performing opposite the Grammy-, Emmy- and Tony-winning actress was a rare privilege.

"Having watched her perform and doing opposite her and just seeing what she's doing is pretty incredible," he tells PEOPLE in this week's issue.

Being able to star in Wicked, meant that Bailey, 35, had to juggle a jam-packed schedule. One week, he filmed scenes for Showtime's Fellow Travelers, costarring Matt Bomer, in Toronto on Friday, shot parts of Bridgerton in London on Saturday and rehearsed choreography with Ariana Grande for Wicked on Sunday. It was a period the actor calls a "wild time."

"I had an amazing dance coach in Toronto where I was, and we worked on the choreography on Sundays and any days off — not that I had any days off," he adds. "Poor Matt [Bomer]. We shared a two-way trailer, so whenever I was dancing, I think I was rocking him either awake or to sleep."

Starring in the Wicked films, due out in November 2024 and November 2025, made the nonstop work worthwhile, in large part due to the cast, which also includes Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and Bowen Yang.

“Everyone who's involved is a theater nerd," Bailey says, adding that group is now "completely bonded for life."

Yeoh filmed her first scene with Bailey and Grande fresh off her Oscar win for Best Actress for Everything Everywhere All at Once.

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"I literally think the Oscar was just off-screen watching the scene as it took place," he recalls. "Me and Ari were very giggle-y that day, and to see Michelle Yeoh sing and be brilliant was amazing."

Bailey is exceedingly confident both Wicked fans and newbies will ultimately love what they see.

“It’s going to blow people’s minds,” he teases. “So get ready. You’ve got a year to prepare.”

For more on Jonathan Bailey, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here. 

Fellow Travelers airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on Showtime.