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Bridgerton introduces first East Asian family in season four
Netflix's hit Regency-era drama Bridgerton has cast its first East Asian family, a move celebrated by the show's newest stars as a milestone for representation.
Cast reflects on historic casting
Isabella Wei, who portrays Posy Li, described the moment she learned of the casting as surreal. "When I saw they were casting a whole family of East Asians, it was like, 'that's crazy,'" she told BBC Newsbeat. "I remember the feeling was really like: 'It's our time.'"
Wei stars alongside Katie Leung, known for her role as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter films, who plays the formidable Lady Araminta Gun. Leung admitted she never expected to return to the screen in such a prominent role. "I definitely didn't think I would be here," she said. "I always just felt like I never deserved it. Whereas I feel like I deserve it now, because I've worked hard to be here."
A story of love and identity
The fourth season's fairy tale-inspired plot centers on Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, who meets a mysterious masked woman at a masquerade ball. The woman, later revealed to be a maid named Sophie Baek, is portrayed by Australian actress Yerin Ha. Ha, who is Sydney-born, said the role resonates deeply with her own experiences. "I've gone on a big journey to come back here and to be representing the East Asian community," she said. "I keep wanting to push the needle forward, so it's not a topic of conversation anymore."
Ha's character, Sophie, faces challenges similar to those Ha has encountered, particularly the feeling of being an outsider. The season explores whether Benedict and Sophie's forbidden love can overcome societal barriers.
Representation beyond East Asia
In addition to the East Asian family, Bridgerton continues to push boundaries with its storytelling. This season delves into the romance between Francesca Bridgerton and Michaela Stirling, played by Victor Alli and Masali Baduza, respectively. Baduza, who portrays Michaela, acknowledged the pressure of the role but expressed pride in its significance. "I think she's such an important character, not only to me, but to a lot of young queer Black women and queer people in general," she said. "I love feeling that people are happy seeing themselves represented on screen."
Cast embraces the moment
For Wei, being part of the show has been an "amazing opportunity." She reflected on the experience of working with a cast that shared her background. "All of us worked really hard to be here and put in the work on the show, and it was just so special to be in a room with everyone who looked like you," she said. "You get to spend so much time together on this glamorous British Regency show where you're not meant to be there, and we are, and that is such a beautiful thing."
Luke Thompson, who plays Benedict Bridgerton, said he felt no pressure carrying the season's storyline. "I didn't feel pressure because I feel like I had started building something in season one, and now we get to develop it," he said with a laugh.
New episodes now streaming
The second part of Bridgerton season four is now available on Netflix. Fans can also catch up on BBC Newsbeat's coverage of the show at 12:45 and 17:45 on weekdays.
