The third season of Bridgerton hasn’t even been released for 24 hours, and fans are already eagerly awaiting details on season 4. But when will it premiere, which book will it be based on, and who will return? We turned to showrunner Jess Brownell for some clues and insights.
I can tell you that I know who it’s gonna be,” Brownell laughs. “We are in the middle of writing it right now.
Setting the Stage for Season 4
Even though part two of the third season just premiered, Brownell and her team are hard at work crafting the new season. There’s no filming date set yet, but Brownell revealed they will start this year.
Based on the elaborate nature of each episode, this probably means season 4 won’t premiere until late 2025 or even early 2026. Between seasons 2 and 3, more than two years had passed due to the pandemic and various strikes impacting production schedules.
Who Will Be the Focus?
The big question now is which Bridgerton sibling will take center stage in season 4. Many assume it will be Benedict Bridgerton (played by Luke Thompson) since he’s next in line after Anthony and was the subject of the third book, An Offer From a Gentleman.
At the end of season 3, however, Benedict doesn’t seem quite ready for leading-man status. After a brief romance with Lady Tilley Arnold and a complicated relationship involving her friend Paul, Benedict is still finding his way. He expressed his gratitude to Tilley for teaching him what it means to be free but admitted he isn’t ready to settle down yet.
Benedict reads as a queer character in seasons 1 and 2,
Brownell says.Benedict is figuring out his place in society…and how he can skirt the rules while being true to himself.
Francesca’s Storyline Gains Momentum
The closing moments of Season 3 hinted at Francesca’s complicated future as she marries John Stirling and plans to move to Scotland with him. In an interesting twist for book readers, John’s cousin Michaela Stirling, not Michael Stirling as in the books, becomes a pivotal character.
Masali Baduza, who portrays Michaela Stirling, is confirmed to return, strengthening speculation that Francesca’s story might get priority for Season 4. I can’t wait for people to get to know her more, said Brownell about Baduza’s role. This sentiment underscores Michaela’s crucial involvement in upcoming plotlines.
Eloise Could Be a Contender
If it’s not Benedict or Francesca leading Season 4, Eloise is another strong candidate. Based on the fifth book, To Sir Phillip, with Love, Eloise’s journey could provide an enthralling narrative arc favoring profound character development.
Returning Cast Members and New Faces
The return of Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton seems highly likely given their critical roles in recent plot twists involving Penelope/Lady Whistledown. While Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor’s returns remain uncertain due to previous minimal appearances post their lead seasons, it seems hopeful.
Dame Julie Andrews continues embodying Lady Whistledown’s narrating voice but with Penelope’s secret out; there’s intrigue about evolving this narrative element without losing its essential charm.She’s such a part of the feeling of the show, Brownell reflects.
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