Jonathan Bailey shuts down retirement rumours with packed movie lineup

Jonathan Bailey is showing no signs of slowing down despite previously hinting at a temporary step back from acting.

The reigning Sexiest Man Alive has added two major projects to his growing Hollywood slate, joining the casts of Monsanto alongside Laura Dern and Pumping Black with Natalie Portman.

Bailey had sparked concern among fans last year after comments about taking time away from acting to focus on his LGBTQ+ charity, The Shameless Fund, were widely interpreted as a career break.

However, the 38-year-old actor later clarified that reports claiming he had quit acting were exaggerated.

“The headlines were ‘Jonathan Bailey has quit acting,’” Bailey said in an interview with Esquire U.K., describing the reports as the result of an “unfortunate misquote.”

The actor explained that while he intended to dedicate more time to charitable work, he was never planning to step away from acting entirely.

“I’ll definitely be back to work next year. I’m not taking the whole of 2026 off,” he added.

Bailey’s upcoming courtroom drama Monsanto, directed by John Lee Hancock, will follow the real-life legal battle against chemical giant Monsanto.

The actor is set to portray attorney Brent Wisner, taking over the role previously linked to Glen Powell.

Meanwhile, Pumping Black, directed by Mimi Cave, is described as a psychological thriller centered on the competitive world of professional cycling.

The projects add to an already packed schedule for Bailey, who recently starred in Wicked alongside Ariana Grande and is also set to return for Wicked: For Good.

Earlier this year, Bailey also reprised his role opposite Simone Ashley in the fourth season of Bridgerton and appeared in a London production of Richard II.