Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from the Bridgerton books.
Summary
Everyone wants to know whose romance will be the central focus inBridgertonseason 4, andrecent casting news leads me to believe that Benedict is out of the running.The Netflix television series revolves aroundthe Bridgerton family, a high-society household living in London during the early 1800s attempting to find love (some trying harder than others).Every season ofBridgertonchronicles the love story of one of the eight siblings — Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth.The show has already explored Daphne’s, Anthony’s, and Colin’s romances,while Netflix hasn’t confirmed who will be next.
Bridgertonseason 4 is expected to be released around two years after season 3’s ending.
Many suspect Benedict will be the maincharacter ofBridgertonseason 4, especially because the show skipped over his courtship (according to the novels' timeline) in season 3 to focus on Colin and Penelope instead. InJulia Quinn’sBridgertonbook series, on which the show is based, the first installment centers around Daphne, the second on Anthony, the third on Benedict, the fourth on Colin, and so on. Nevertheless,the producers decided to speed up Colin’s story and circle back to Benedict later, meaning he is one of the primary contenders for season 4,but the casting search suggests otherwise.
Bridgerton’s “Emily” Casting Sounds A Lot Like The Books' Sophie
Netflix Is Searching For An Actress To Play “Emily” In Bridgerton Season 4
According toCollider, theBridgertonproducers are looking for an actress to play a major recurring role in season 4, as of the writing of this article. The role,“Emily,” is described as an “East Asian female” between the ages of 24 and 30,who is “plucky, endlessly resourceful, and [has] trouble trusting others.” Additionally, the new character will partake in scenes of a sexual nature, involving nudity, implying that “Emily” could play one ofthe Bridgerton siblings’main love interests. Since Anthony and Colin are already married and Gregory is still a child, “Emily” is probably connected to Benedict.
As readers know, Benedict’s story involves a character named Sophie Beckett, who has yet to be introduced in Netflix’sBridgerton.“Emily” is likely a code name for Sophie,as the above description fits her to a tee, meaning Benedict’s central love interest should arrive in season 4. “Emily” being Sophie is truly the only logical option. Although thiscasting update might persuade some to think thatBridgertonseason 4is Benedict’s season, it convinces me that we will have to wait until season 5 to get the second-eldest Bridgerton siblings' love story.
Only 1 Bridgerton Season 3 Character Has An Unhappy Ending
Bridgerton season 3 gives Colin and Penelope their happily ever after, but another Bridgerton sibling gets the most disappointing ending of all.
Introducing Sophie In Season 4 May Mean Benedict’s Story Is Bridgerton Season 5
The Netflix Series Needs Time To Build Benedict & Sophie’s Relationship
In the books,Benedict meets Sophie at a masquerade ball(which was notably teased duringBridgertonseason 3, part 2’s ending) that Violet is hosting. Like the story ofCinderella,Benedict and Sophie connect and dance, but she runs away after midnight, and Benedict fails to find Sophie after months of searching. The two don’t see one another for two years before reuniting and engaging in a dramatic romance. It’s rather unlikely thatBridgertonseason 4 includes a two-year flash forward, as theBridgertonseason 3 finale featured a one-year time jump. Consequently, season 4 might not revolve around Benedict.
The Duke and I
On the Way to the Wedding
Gregory Bridgerton
July 07, 2025
To me, it sounds likeBridgertonseason 4 will introduce Sophie similarly to how season 3 introduced John Stirling,especially since “Emily” is described as a “recurring” character. The upcoming episodes will probably establish Benedict and Sophie’s bond during the inevitable masquerade ball. Then, they could split up, not see each other for a couple of years, and reunite in season 5. Of course, this is assuming that the producers will follow this detail of Benedict’s story.Bridgertonis known for making changes to the books, but season 3’s ending also fuels the theory that Benedict will be season 5’s star.
Benedict’s Story Being Bridgerton Season 5 Could Work After Season 3’s Ending
Waiting A Little Bit Longer For Benedict’s Love Story Makes Sense After Season 3
While some may be frustrated that Benedict keeps on being pushed aside in favor of his siblings, waiting untilBridgertonseason 5 to tell his story makes sense within the show’s context.Benedict is still an impulsive free spiritwith no sense of direction. He jumps between love interests and quits art school after learning that Anthony’s donation to the Academy likely influenced his acceptance. Plus,Benedict’s exploration of his sexualitywas one of the most significant storylines in season 3, and the show must dive deeper into this new character development in future episodes.
By extending Benedict’s character development a little bit longer and waiting until season 5 to feature his romance with Sophie fully, his story (and its payoff) will feel more satisfying.
I believe it would feel too rushed ifBridgertonseason 4 were to explore this newfound freedom while also depictingBenedict’s love story with Sophie. Of course, it’s doable, but it would be a disservice to Luke Thompson’s character. Ultimately,Benedict’s freedom is very important to him,and as he mentioned at the end of season 3, he isn’t ready to let that go and settle down. By extending Benedict’s character development a little bit longer and waiting until season 5 to feature his romance with Sophie fully, his story (and its payoff) will feel more satisfying.
I’m Convinced Bridgerton Gave Penelope The Wrong Ending
Bridgerton season 3 supposedly concluded with Penelope and Colin’s happily ever after, but I’m not convinced that this was Penelope’s ideal ending.
If Bridgerton Season 4 Isn’t Benedict’s Story, Whose Will It Be?
The Most Likely Candidates Are Eloise Or Francesca
Since I’m convinced thatBridgertonseason 5 will focus on Benedict, only two candidates remain in the running for season 4’s main character — Eloise or Francesca. Gregory and Hyacinth are still too young to start looking for a spouse, while Eloise made her debut in society in season 2 andFrancesca married John inBridgertonseason 3. Similar to Benedict, and without giving too much away, it should take several years for Francesca’s full character arc to be completed. As a result,I believe that Eloise is next in line in the Netflix series.
Eloise has only had one potential love interest (Theo Sharpe),and their relationship ended poorly due to Lady Whistledown. Although they haven’t spoken in more than a year, Eloise could reunite with Theo and continue where they left off in season 4. Of course, this would mean deviating greatly from Eloise’s plot in the books, but anything is possible. The show might forget about Theo altogether and explore Eloise and Phillip Crane’s relationship. Whether theBridgertonproducers stick to the books or not, Eloise’s love story is highly anticipated, and I think it’ll come sooner than Benedict’s.
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on August 01, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
