Bridgerton author defends show’s queer romance

Virgin Radio

26 Jun 2024, 11:16

Julia Quinn addresses fan concerns over plot changes in season three, urging viewers to embrace the evolving Bridgerton world.

The latest twist in your favourite Regency-era drama has stirred up quite the tea party!

Author Julia Quinn has stepped in to address the uproar over the plot changes in the highly anticipated third season of Netflix’s Bridgerton.

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With the introduction of a queer romance, some fans have been left a bit miffed, while others are cheering from the rooftops.

And now, the lady behind the original novels is asking for a little faith in the creative journey.

In Quinn’s beloved novel When He Was Wicked, Francesca Bridgerton (played by Hannah Dodd) finds her marriage to the Earl of Kilmartin, John Stirling (Victor Alli), rocked by her undeniable chemistry with his cousin, Michael.

However, the Netflix series has spiced things up by swapping Michael for Michaela (Masali Baduza), adding a fresh and queer twist to the tale.

While many viewers have celebrated this bold move, a few traditionalists are clutching their pearls in dismay.

Quinn took to social media to calm the choppy waters.

“But switching the gender of a major character is a huge change,” she acknowledged. “So, when [showrunner] Jess Brownell first approached me with the idea of turning Michael into Michaela for the show, I needed more information before conferring my agreement.”

Julia Quinn emphasised her trust in Shondaland’s vision but was determined that season three should stay 'true to the spirit of the book and of the characters.'

She explained how she and Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell had heartfelt discussions about ensuring Francesca’s deep love for John was vividly portrayed on screen.

“I felt that if I didn’t show how deeply she loved John, and how deeply Michael, his cousin, also loved him, then their feelings of guilt at falling in love with each other after John’s death made no sense,” Quinn explained.

“I didn’t want to just tell the reader that they loved him. I wanted the reader to feel it.”

Quinn’s commitment to emotional authenticity shines through, as she reassured fans that Francesca’s storyline would be as tear-jerking and heart-wrenching on screen as it is in the book.

“I’m confident now that when Francesca has her Bridgerton season, it will be the most emotional and heart-wrenching story of the show, just like When He Was Wicked has always been the true tear-jerker of the Bridgerton book series.”

The author signed off with a heartfelt plea: “I ask that you grant me and the Shondaland team some faith as we move forward. I think we are going to end up with two stories, one on page and one on screen, and they will both be beautiful and moving.”

Showrunner Jess Brownell, who took over from Chris Van Dusen, has been vocal about her desire to bring more LGBTQ+ representation to the Bridgerton universe.

In an interview with Pride, Brownell shared her excitement about the new direction: “I want to see more queer joy on my screens and that was definitely a priority for me when I stepped into the showrunner role.

"How exactly that plays out over this season and the next couple seasons, I can’t say specifically, but I will say I’m excited for fans to see that.”

And it’s not just the showrunners who are eager for more inclusive storylines. Nicola Coughlan, who portrays the ever-intriguing Penelope Featherington, is also pushing for more queer love stories.

“I think all love stories deserve to be celebrated,” she said, highlighting Bridgerton’s already diverse take on Regency London.

So, Bridgerton aficionados, while the adaptation might diverge from the original novels, it promises to deliver the same swoon-worthy, dramatic flair that has made it a global sensation.