Bridgerton Author Julia Quinn Breaks Silence On Gender Swap Controversy In Show

Julia Quinn, the author of the Bridgerton series, has finally addressed the controversies surrounding the upcoming season of the Netflix show. Season 4 will focus on Francesca's love story. Fans are eagerly anticipating the new season, though some are concerned about a gender swap in the storyline.

Fans disappointed with gender swap in Francesca's love story

The show's runner, Jess Brownell, has confirmed that Francesca's love story will feature a queer relationship, pairing her with Michaela instead of Michael as in the books. This decision has sparked disappointment among some fans, who expressed their concerns following the release of Bridgerton Season 3 Part 2.

Julia Quinn on Francesca's love story

In response, Quinn released a statement on Instagram, explaining that she had approved the changes but had set specific conditions for the showrunners. She emphasized her discussions with Brownell before agreeing to the alteration. "I trust Shondaland’s vision for Bridgerton," Quinn stated, "but I wanted to ensure we stayed true to the spirit of the book and the characters. Jess and I had several conversations about it."

Quinn also insisted on showcasing Francesca’s enduring love for John on screen, a crucial element from her book "When He Was Wicked." She noted, "When I wrote When He Was Wicked, I had to fight to include the first four chapters that establish that love."

The upcoming season aims to develop Francesca’s character further. Meanwhile, actors Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Luke Newton, and Nicola Coughlan, among others, will return to reprise their roles.