Ethan Slater is not holding back when it comes to praising the cast of Wicked: For Good.

In a new conversation with Extra, Slater shifted the spotlight to his co-stars, including Jonathan Bailey, who was recently crowned PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025. 

“Johnny [Bailey] is so beautiful,” he said.

The actor continued applauding the film’s ensemble by saying, “And Michelle [Yeoh] and Jeff [Goldblum] and I got to work with Marissa [Bode], you know, from this close away for this whole movie and yet getting to see her on the big screen, it’s just so moving.”

Expressing pride in the long-awaited sequel, Slater added, “I’m so proud of this movie and it’s so different from the first one, and yet it feels like the obvious true continuation of it.” 

Meanwhile, Bailey himself has been reflecting on the recognition that came with his Sexiest Man Alive title. 

In his interview with Forbes, the Wicked and Bridgerton star, 37, called the honor a “huge honour” as he graced PEOPLE Magazine’s cover for 2025.

“There’s nothing sexier than progress,” Bailey told the outlet. 

He also discussed how perceptions of masculinity have evolved over time, sharing that he “grew up being very inspired by sexy men” not only for their looks, but for how “many of them helped shift how we understand ourselves in society.”

Billy Bob Thornton wasn’t really happy about turning 70.

Billy celebrated his milestone 70th birthday in August.

He opened up about aging in a new interview with CBS News’ Sunday Morning, sharing that it was scary.

“You know what, it’s so funny you’re scared of every milestone. But this one actually did affect me in a way that I had to, you know, have a few meetings with myself late at night,” said Thornton.

Ultimately, the Oscar winner focused on the positive aspects of aging, such as gaining respect.

“We’ve all seen each other get older. And when I see that wisdom and see the respect that people have for them, it just kind of makes everything melt away somehow,” he said. “I mean, I’m in a successful band and I’m in a successful show. Every day when I wake up I just say I’m blessed. That’s really it.”

For his milestone birthday, the Landman star stayed at home with his kids and wife Connie Angland and enjoyed some vegan cake.

“Connie asked me what I wanted and I said, ‘Nothing, absolutely nothing. As a matter of fact, don’t mention it to anybody,’ ” he told Rolling Stone in another recent interview.

“We really just hung out here at the house, just me and Connie and the kids,” Billy said, “and had a nice time, and they got me a vegan cake, which — I can’t eat wheat or dairy, so that was awesome. Anytime a guy like me could have cake, it’s a great day.”

Billy Bob Thornton will be seen in season two of Landman.