Bridgerton Leaks Hint at Forgotten Character Getting a Bigger Role in Season 3
And another major character being cast.
Looks like we are in for a double treat when Bridgerton Season 3 finally arrives. For many Bridgerverse readers, Julia Quinn's When He Was Wicked is the favorite book in the series, and there are some details that prove that the story described in the novel is set to begin in the upcoming chapter of the show.
What is the novel about?
When He Was Wicked is Book 6 in the Bridgerton series. It focuses on the romantic story of Francesca Bridgerton, the sixth sibling and third daughter of the lead family.
Unfortunately, her great love affair begins with tragedy. Married to John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin, during her first social season, and after two blissful years with her husband, Francesca suddenly loses him to a mysterious illness.
At the same time, John's best friend, Michael, who has been madly in love with Francesca since the first moment he saw her, inherits his earldom. The two spend the next four years mourning John and avoiding each other, until one day Francesca decides to find a new husband.
How does this story tie into Season 3?
While in the first two seasons, Francesca, played by Ruby Stokes, was an enigma who only appeared in family scenes, in Season 3, the role of this forgotten character is set to be much bigger.
You see, Francesca comes of age (18 in the Shondaland Bridgerverse) in the new season and will make her social debut. If the show follows the story of Julia Quinn, Francesca will be the diamond of the season and marry John Stirling right away.
It actually makes sense, since six years have to pass before Francesca's main story can unfold. Moreover, there are at least two facts that prove it.
New Casting
Francesca Bridgerton has been recast for Season 3. Ruby Stokes, who was given a starring role in Lockwood & Co, has been replaced by Hannah Dodd from Anatomy of a Scandal due to scheduling conflicts.
But why recast a character if she is not going to get more screen time? If it was just a few scenes like in previous seasons, I am sure Ruby could fit them into her schedule.
Leaked Photos
Then there are some leaked set photos on Reddit, proving that John has been cast and his and Francesca's wedding filmed.
The leaks show what appears to be the entire Bridgerton family gathered to send Francesca off with her new husband. Francesca and John get into a carriage and ride off, followed by another carriage with luggage.
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow (ft. some very special, very tiny blurs) 🚨
byu/ObviouslyOblivious90 inPolinBridgerton
Eagle-eyed fans recognized John in the blurry images as up-and-coming actor Victor Alli. While his participation in Bridgerton hasn't been officially confirmed, that's probably because the show's creators want to keep big castings like this under wraps. Oops.
Source: Reddit.