Among Netflix’s recent wave of hit dramas, nothing has come close to the historical romantic drama that is Bridgerton – and for good reason. For three seasons in a row, the show has received stellar reviews, and it’s been projected that it will continue to go up from there. Which is why, after the conclusion of Season 3 Part 2, Netflix has greenlit the production of Season 4 – and released some juicy information alongside it.
The streaming giant announced earlier this week that Bridgerton Season 4 will be happening and that it will focus on another leading man, Benedict (played by Luke Thompson). But what does that entail? For starters, for those familiar with the novel the series is based on, it will likely tackle what is largely known in the fandom as the “Cinderella story,” where Benedict meets a mysterious lady in silver at his mother’s masquerade ball and falls heads over heels for her.
Benedict has no idea that the woman behind the mask is actually Sophie Beckett, the new housemaid he saved and hired. Sophie is staying with him in order to avoid being caught up in the schemes of her evil stepsisters and stepmother. However, his search for his mystery woman becomes more difficult when he begins to feel as though Sophie is both incredibly attractive and remarkably familiar.
Though this is exciting news, unfortunately, Bridgerton fans will have to wait, as Jess Brownell, the series showrunner, said that it will take two years to complete the entire season. At the same time, reports of a Bridgerton casting call have gone out; it seems that casting directors are specifically looking for an East Asian, female between 24 and 30 years old to play “Emily,” an integral character known in the novels to be a plucky but resourceful girl with massive trust issues. Some news outlets have been speculating that Sophie and Emily may be the same person, but there is no evidence right now that supports that idea. (Also, ladies, if you have what it takes, why not shoot your shot.)
When Entertainment Weekly pressed Brownell for answers during the season 3 finale, he only responded, “You should read into that in that you will see the masquerade ball next season. That’s as much as I can say.”
Benedict’s bisexuality was also established in Season 3, confirming numerous fan theories that the character might be queer. It’s unclear how this new development will play out in his romantic tale, but as he meets his match, he will keep figuring out who he is, where he fits in the world, and how it will affect the people closest to him.
Thompson even went on record when talking about his character, saying that “He’s a little too much of a mystery to himself. Benedict is someone who’s really gone along [with things]. He’s so open, which is a lovely quality and a lovely thing to play, but he’s happy to be pushed or dragged or drawn in lots of different directions. A lot of the challenge for him will be about finding his centre.”
Only when more Bridgerton news surfaces in the upcoming months will we be able to determine whether Thompson is being sincere about his thoughts about his role, or if he’s withholding something from the fans.
Sources: People, Entertainment Weekly, Netflix
