After following Julia Quinn’s books as closely as possible for three seasons, Bridgerton the TV series decided to risk it all and go for a major character change. The third season finale introduced Michaela Stirling, a cousin of Francesca’s new husband John, who will play a pivotal role in her story.
The problem is, instead of being a beautiful woman as she is on the show, Michaela was actually Michael in the books. And that alone was enough to enrage fans, who blamed Netflix for pushing the woke agenda and Quinn herself for not fighting for her legacy. The author’s explanation did not seem to help in the least.
Julia Quinn on Michaela Stirling
For almost two weeks now, social media has been filled with enraged fans demanding the show creators notice them and do justice to Francesca’s story and When He Was Wicked novel. Although there is nothing to indicate that the book will go under some major changes plot-wise, other than the change of the lead’s gender, readers aren’t having it already.
Julia Quinn’s attempt to make fans understand that the changes are final and have been approved by her did not make anyone happy. While the haters just didn’t find the message convincing enough, those viewers who loved Michaela and are open to change are now wondering why the statement was so soft.
In the end, the backlash was not only directed at the show’s production team, but also at South African actress Masali Baduza. Given the previous instances of racism towards the main characters by the Bridgerton fandom, viewers expected the statement to call out this harassment, as well as the homophobic undertones of these demands.
Of course, given how much time has passed, the backlash is beginning to die down. However, the production team’s response, or lack thereof, only further proves to fans that Netflix cares very little about supporting its actors.
Even those who are excited to see what the show has in store for Michaela will now be very cautious about what it means for Masali Baduza, who is alone on the front lines of the fandom wars. But hopefully Bridgerton will still address the real issue in the direct response.
Until then, you can watch the scene of Michaela’s appearance at the very end of Bridgerton season 3 live on Netflix now.
