Liam Daniel/Netflix
As we once again find ourselves in the long interlude between seasons of the popular Netflix series “Bridgerton,” it’s tempting to turn to Julia Quinn’s novels for clues about upcoming plot developments. With the confirmation that “Bridgerton” season 4 will center on the character of Benedict Bridgerton (played by Luke Thompson), the second son in the titular family, viewers can expect significant deviations from the original novels, considering the differences in Benedict’s character portrayal in the TV series.
Benedict is the protagonist in “An Offer from a Gentleman,” the third book in Quinn’s series. However, Netflix chose to leapfrog to the fourth book, “Romancing Mr. Bridgerton,” for its third season. Now, the series is circling back to focus on Benedict’s love story. In the book, Benedict falls for Sophie Beckett, an earl’s daughter whom he meets at the Bridgerton’s famed masquerade ball. Mirroring the Cinderella tale, Sophie is forced to serve her wicked stepmother, while Benedict is smitten by the mysterious woman he met at the ball. Their story culminates in marriage.
In the upcoming season, Sophie will be portrayed by the rising star Yerin Ha, known for her roles in “Halo” and “Dune: Prophecy.” The season 3 finale hinted at the masquerade ball, suggesting that elements of the novel will be retained. But how will this align with Benedict’s unique storyline in the Netflix adaptation?
Yerin Ha to Portray Sophie Baek in Bridgerton Season 4
Gavin Bond/Netflix
In the series, Sophie remains Benedict’s love interest but differs slightly from the character as depicted in the books. Her surname has been changed from Beckett to Baek, reflecting the Australian-Korean actress Yerin Ha’s heritage. This is similar to the adaptation of season 2, where the novel’s Kate Sheffield was transformed into Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), reflecting the diverse casting of the show. Given the creative liberties taken in the series, viewers can expect some tweaks in Sophie’s character and her relationship with Benedict.
In an interview with Netflix Tudum, Ha mentioned a recurring theme of masks in her audition scenes. Considering Sophie’s story begins at a masquerade ball she sneaks into, this motif is fitting. Ha found playing with the idea of Sophie donning and discarding a mask to conceal or reveal her emotions a fascinating aspect of her character development.
All the Details We Have About Bridgerton Season 4 So Far
Gavin Bond/Netflix
Alongside Yerin Ha, several other new characters have been cast for season 4 of “Bridgerton.” Katie Leung, known for her role as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter movies, is set to join the series as Lady Araminta Gun, a widow trying to find suitable matches for her daughters in the upcoming social season. Michelle Mao and Isabella Wei will play her daughters, Rosamund Li and Posy Li, respectively. In addition, series regulars Emma Naomi and Hugh Sachs, who play Alice Mondrich and Brimsley, are promoted to main cast members for the fourth season.
Filming for “Bridgerton” season 4 began in the fall of 2024. If past seasons are any indication, production will likely extend into spring 2025, with the season’s release expected in the second half of 2026. The show’s multi-part release schedule, as seen in season 3, may mean an even longer wait for the entire season. Fans have a long wait ahead, but the production is progressing at a steady pace, and the original books can provide some respite in the meantime.
Benedict’s Queerness Could Still Be a Key Element in Bridgerton Season 4
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Throughout the first three seasons of “Bridgerton,” Benedict’s character has been on a journey of self-exploration. His position as a second son in Regency England leaves him somewhat directionless in season 1. He doesn’t have the immediate family responsibilities like his elder brother Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), and he has affairs with women considered “beneath” his social standing. He secretly enrolls in art school with his brother’s assistance and grapples with societal expectations. In season 3, his self-discovery reaches a pinnacle when he has simultaneous affairs with Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) and Paul Suarez (Lucas Aurelio), acknowledging his bisexuality.
Despite Benedict’s recent queer storyline, some fans have expressed disappointment that his upcoming season will likely closely follow the original novel. Nevertheless, there is potential for his relationship with Sophie to incorporate new dimensions in the Netflix adaptation, given his character development in the series so far. For a fully queer-oriented season of “Bridgerton,” viewers might have to wait until the spotlight turns to Francesca (Hannah Dodd). Though she marries a man at the end of season 3, the stage is set for a potential female love interest in the future.
How Will Bridgerton Season 4 Diverge from An Offer from a Gentleman?
Liam Daniel/Netflix
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