Fans hoping for an Eloise-centric season will have to wait a while longer. Bridgerton season five will take a two-year time jump and focus on the relationship between widow Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and John’s cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduza).
Netflix confirmed the couple in the spotlight and announced production has begun on the eight-episode fifth season. The sixth book in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, When He Was Wicked, serves as the inspiration for the upcoming season.
Netflix offers this description of the next season:
“The fifth season of Bridgerton spotlights introverted middle daughter Francesca. Two years after losing her beloved husband, John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons. But when John’s cousin Michaela returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Fran’s complicated feelings will have her questioning whether to stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions.”
Netflix also provided updated descriptions of Francesca and Michaela:
• Hannah Dodd as Francesca Stirling. Countess of Kilmartin: Reserved and contained, Francesca has long felt out of place in the world. As Michaela stirs up new feelings inside her, Fran will make discoveries about herself that could change everything.
• Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling. Beneath Michaela’s charming and vivacious exterior hides a vulnerable young woman who is quick to run the second she feels discomfort. But this season, Michaela must face her vulnerability head-on as she’s forced to navigate her relationship to her late cousin’s legacy—and to Francesca.
Jess Brownell is the showrunner and serves as an executive producer alongside Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica, and Chris Van Dusen.
“I cannot say enough good things about Hannah and Masali. The two of them have such a beautiful friendship and support each other in such a beautiful way,” said Brownell in an interview with Tudum. “But, beyond that, I really do think that they are two incredibly talented and special performers. They’re actors who are able to say so much with just an expression, with just their faces.”
The streamer hasn’t released a full cast list for season five. Season four starred Luke Thompson as Benedict, Yerin Ha as Sophie, Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie as Eloise, Hannah Dodd as Francesca, Victor Alli as John Stirling, Luke Newton as Colin, and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope. Adjoa Andoh is Lady Danbury, Golda Rosheuvel is Queen Charlotte, Julie Andrews voices Lady Whistledown, Lorraine Ashbourne is Mrs. Varley, Masali Baduza is Michaela Stirling, Daniel Francis is Lord Marcus Anderson, and Florence Hunt is Hyacinth.
Rounding out the ensemble are Jonathan Bailey as Anthony, Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich, Will Tilston as Gregory, Polly Walker as Portia Featherington, Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich, and Hugh Sachs as Brimsley. Additional key cast members include Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton, Isabella Wei as Posy Li, Michelle Mao as Rosamund Li, and Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun.
The post Bridgerton Season 5: Francesca and Michaela Confirmed as Leads appeared first on ShowbizJunkies.
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