In an exclusive interview, Bridgerton star Yerin Ha has opened up about the significant shift in the upcoming fourth season of the hit Netflix series, describing the new direction as a 'blessing' for the show. The actress, who portrays Sophie, a maid who captures the heart of Benedict Bridgerton, emphasised how this change injects fresh energy and realism into the beloved period drama.
A New Dynamic for Bridgerton
Since its debut six years ago, Bridgerton has captivated audiences worldwide with its lavish portrayal of Regency-era romance among the aristocracy. Previous seasons have focused on love stories within the upper class, from Daphne and the Duke of Hastings to Anthony and Kate Sharma, and most recently, Colin and Penelope Featherington. However, season four breaks this pattern by delving into the 'upstairs-downstairs' dynamic, exploring a romance that crosses social boundaries.
Grounding the Glamour
'It's been a blessing,' Yerin Ha, 28, told Metro. 'I think it just really opens up whole new doors for Bridgerton. It grounds the story and makes it more realistic-ish. It's less pretty and shiny and glamorous, which I think is quite nice.' She added that after three seasons, 'it's nice to have a change of energy and pace. I'm excited for audiences to see that.'
Luke Thompson, who plays Benedict Bridgerton, echoed this sentiment. 'It's nice to see the other side of the coin, because they speak to each other,' he said. Having been part of the show since season one, Thompson noted that this element is 'baked into the story' and introduces 'a stronger flavour of the real world in Bridgerton.' He explained, 'The Ton world can feel like a bit of a bubble sometimes, so exploring what reality means in Bridgerton is really interesting.'
Veteran Cast Members Weigh In
Golda Rosheuvel, who plays Queen Charlotte, acknowledged that season four 'did feel [as though it had] different themes this time around.' She cryptically described the new season as 'interesting,' hinting at the layered narratives at play. Adjoa Andoh, portraying Lady Danbury, highlighted the addition of 'lovely new cast members when we go downstairs.'
'There's a freshness to it,' Andoh stated. 'British society is class from top to bottom. Our show is not a sociology project, but even to discuss class in this way is really lovely to see. What does keep the glittering household going? It's those people downstairs. So what are their lives like and what happens when the two worlds actually cross over?'
Expanding the Bridgerton Universe
While Bridgerton has previously featured characters from working backgrounds, such as Mrs Varley, the Featherington family's housekeeper, season four marks the first time the show deeply explores the lives and romances of those 'downstairs.' This shift not only broadens the narrative scope but also adds depth to the portrayal of Regency society, moving beyond the glittering ballrooms to include the servants' quarters.
The season focuses on Benedict Bridgerton's enchantment with Sophie at a masquerade ball, unaware of her status as a maid. This storyline, based on Julia Quinn's novels, promises to challenge the show's traditional boundaries and offer viewers a more nuanced look at love and class in the Ton.
Anticipation Builds for Season Four
With part one of Bridgerton season four set to premiere on Netflix, fans are eagerly awaiting this new chapter. The cast's insights suggest a season that balances the series' signature romance with a grounded exploration of social dynamics, potentially resonating with audiences seeking both escapism and relatability.
As Yerin Ha summarised, this change is a welcome evolution for the series, ensuring that Bridgerton continues to captivate and surprise its global audience with fresh storytelling perspectives.
