Jonathan Bailey Defends Playful Red-Carpet Kiss with Scarlett Johansson

24 June 2025

Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

When Jonathan Bailey kissed Scarlett Johansson on the red carpet at the New York premiere of Jurassic World Rebirth, flashes popped, tongues wagged, and social media lit up in speculation. But the story, far from being a scandalous headline, quickly unfolded as a moment of unfiltered friendship between two actors enjoying the surreal glamour of a major film premiere. For Bailey, known for both his eloquent candor and his effortless charm, it was business as usual. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight after the event, he brushed off any controversy with a smile and a line that perfectly encapsulated the mood of the night. "If you can’t kiss your friends," he said, "life’s too short not to"

The playful kiss was actually the second of its kind in recent days. Just days earlier at the London premiere of the same film, the pair had shared another affectionate embrace on the red carpet. Neither moment carried romantic weight but both were clearly meaningful for the duo and endearing to fans. Scarlett, resplendent in shimmering couture, did not shy away from the moment. And her husband, comedian Colin Jost, was just a few feet away, smiling from the sidelines. His relaxed demeanor only served to reinforce the authenticity of the gesture, a tender moment between co-stars who share genuine respect and admiration for one another

Bailey’s rise to fame has been defined by both talent and honesty. Coming out publicly in 2018, he has spoken openly about his journey in the entertainment industry as a gay actor navigating a landscape often resistant to change. In an industry where LGBTQ+ representation has long been sidelined or tokenized, Bailey has stood firm as an advocate for authenticity and inclusivity. In interviews, he has maintained that actors should be cast for their ability to bring characters to life regardless of their personal identities and the kiss with Johansson only highlighted the shifting norms in celebrity culture where fluid expressions of friendship are increasingly welcomed and celebrated

Fans across the globe were quick to embrace the red carpet moment as an emblem of progress. Social media flooded with comments praising the chemistry between the stars. Memes appeared in minutes, many playfully labeling Bailey as the gay best friend every woman dreams of. It wasn’t just the kiss that won hearts but the context surrounding it. Here was a major Hollywood actress kissing a co-star who happens to be openly gay with her husband looking on in approval. The message was loud and clear friendship can be affectionate without crossing lines and love in all its forms can be celebrated in the public eye without fear of misinterpretation

For Bailey, the moment was likely one of many highlights in what is shaping up to be a defining chapter of his career. Jurassic World Rebirth marks his entry into blockbuster territory. Starring alongside Johansson as well as industry heavyweights Mahershala Ali and Rupert Friend the film promises a high-octane return to the dinosaur franchise that redefined adventure cinema for a generation. Bailey’s character is said to bring a fresh energy and depth to the ensemble something the actor has proven more than capable of through his previous work in television and theater

Johansson too appears to be relishing her return to the big screen in a genre that allows for both spectacle and character exploration. Having long commanded box office appeal she seems as comfortable alongside prehistoric creatures as she is on the red carpet exchanging knowing glances and kisses with her co-star. In a world that often pits women against one another or scrutinizes their every move Johansson’s embrace of Bailey reflects confidence grace and an awareness that the real story lies not in scandal but in celebration

As the countdown continues to the film’s global release on July 2 fans are as eager to see the onscreen chemistry between Bailey and Johansson as they are to revisit the roar of the dinosaurs. But if the premiere circuit has shown anything it’s that their connection off-screen is just as magnetic. In an era where authenticity is a currency and friendships are often filtered through a curated lens of PR strategy the simple act of two friends sharing a kiss spoke volumes

Whether it becomes one of the year’s most replayed red carpet moments or simply fades into the backdrop of Hollywood lore it already serves as a reminder that warmth kindness and camaraderie can exist in the spotlight without being misinterpreted. For Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson it was just another night under the lights but for many watching it was a sign that maybe just maybe the red carpet is evolving into a more inclusive and affectionate place