Everyone wants to know whose romance will be the central focus in Bridgerton season 4, and recent casting news leads me to believe that Benedict is out of the running. The Netflix television series revolves around the Bridgerton family, a high-society household living in London during the early 1800s attempting to find love (some trying harder than others). Every season of Bridgerton chronicles the love story of one of the eight siblings — Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. The show has already explored Daphne’s, Anthony’s, and Colin’s romances, while Netflix hasn’t confirmed who will be next.

Many suspect Benedict will be the main character of Bridgerton season 4, especially because the show skipped over his courtship (according to the novels’ timeline) in season 3 to focus on Colin and Penelope instead. In Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series, on which the show is based, the first installment centers around Daphne, the second on Anthony, the third on Benedict, the fourth on Colin, and so on. Nevertheless, the producers decided to speed up Colin’s story and circle back to Benedict later, meaning he is one of the primary contenders for season 4, but the casting search suggests otherwise.

Bridgerton’s “Emily” Casting Sounds A Lot Like The Books’ Sophie

Netflix Is Searching For An Actress To Play “Emily” In Bridgerton Season 4

According to Collider, the Bridgerton producers are looking for an actress to play a major recurring role in season 4, as of the writing of this article. The role, “Emily,” is described as an “East Asian female” between the ages of 24 and 30, who is “plucky, endlessly resourceful, and [has] trouble trusting others.” Additionally, the new character will partake in scenes of a sexual nature, involving nudity, implying that “Emily” could play one of the Bridgerton siblings’ main love interests. Since Anthony and Colin are already married and Gregory is still a child, “Emily” is probably connected to Benedict.

As readers know, Benedict’s story involves a character named Sophie Beckett, who has yet to be introduced in Netflix’s Bridgerton. “Emily” is likely a code name for Sophie, as the above description fits her to a tee, meaning Benedict’s central love interest should arrive in season 4. “Emily” being Sophie is truly the only logical option. Although this casting update might persuade some to think that Bridgerton season 4 is Benedict’s season, it convinces me that we will have to wait until season 5 to get the second-eldest Bridgerton siblings’ love story.

Introducing Sophie In Season 4 May Mean Benedict’s Story Is Bridgerton Season 5

The Netflix Series Needs Time To Build Benedict & Sophie’s Relationship

Image via Netflix

In the books, Benedict meets Sophie at a masquerade ball (which was notably teased during Bridgerton season 3, part 2’s ending) that Violet is hosting. Like the story of Cinderella, Benedict and Sophie connect and dance, but she runs away after midnight, and Benedict fails to find Sophie after months of searching. The two don’t see one another for two years before reuniting and engaging in a dramatic romance. It’s rather unlikely that Bridgerton season 4 includes a two-year flash forward, as the Bridgerton season 3 finale featured a one-year time jump. Consequently, season 4 might not revolve around Benedict.

Bridgerton Book
Main Character
Publication Date

The Duke and I
Daphne Bridgerton
January 5, 2000

The Viscount Who Loved Me
Anthony Bridgerton
December 5, 2000

An Offer from a Gentleman
Benedict Bridgerton
July 3, 2001

Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Colin Bridgerton
July 1, 2002

To Sir Phillip, With Love
Eloise Bridgerton
July 1, 2003

When He Was Wicked
Francesca Bridgerton
June 29, 2004

It’s In His Kiss
Hyacinth Bridgerton
June 28, 2005

On the Way to the Wedding
Gregory Bridgerton
June 27, 2006

To me, it sounds like Bridgerton season 4 will introduce Sophie similarly to how season 3 introduced John Stirling, especially since “Emily” is described as a “recurring” character. The upcoming episodes will probably establish Benedict and Sophie’s bond during the inevitable masquerade ball. Then, they could split up, not see each other for a couple of years, and reunite in season 5. Of course, this is assuming that the producers will follow this detail of Benedict’s story. Bridgerton is known for making changes to the books, but season 3’s ending also fuels the theory that Benedict will be season 5’s star.

Benedict’s Story Being Bridgerton Season 5 Could Work After Season 3’s Ending

Waiting A Little Bit Longer For Benedict’s Love Story Makes Sense After Season 3

While some may be frustrated that Benedict keeps on being pushed aside in favor of his siblings, waiting until Bridgerton season 5 to tell his story makes sense within the show’s context. Benedict is still an impulsive free spirit with no sense of direction. He jumps between love interests and quits art school after learning that Anthony’s donation to the Academy likely influenced his acceptance. Plus, Benedict’s exploration of his sexuality was one of the most significant storylines in season 3, and the show must dive deeper into this new character development in future episodes.

By extending Benedict’s character development a little bit longer and waiting until season 5 to feature his romance with Sophie fully, his story (and its payoff) will feel more satisfying.

I believe it would feel too rushed if Bridgerton season 4 were to explore this newfound freedom while also depicting Benedict’s love story with Sophie. Of course, it’s doable, but it would be a disservice to Luke Thompson’s character. Ultimately, Benedict’s freedom is very important to him, and as he mentioned at the end of season 3, he isn’t ready to let that go and settle down. By extending Benedict’s character development a little bit longer and waiting until season 5 to feature his romance with Sophie fully, his story (and its payoff) will feel more satisfying.

If Bridgerton Season 4 Isn’t Benedict’s Story, Whose Will It Be?

The Most Likely Candidates Are Eloise Or Francesca

Since I’m convinced that Bridgerton season 5 will focus on Benedict, only two candidates remain in the running for season 4’s main character — Eloise or Francesca. Gregory and Hyacinth are still too young to start looking for a spouse, while Eloise made her debut in society in season 2 and Francesca married John in Bridgerton season 3. Similar to Benedict, and without giving too much away, it should take several years for Francesca’s full character arc to be completed. As a result, I believe that Eloise is next in line in the Netflix series.

Eloise has only had one potential love interest (Theo Sharpe), and their relationship ended poorly due to Lady Whistledown. Although they haven’t spoken in more than a year, Eloise could reunite with Theo and continue where they left off in season 4. Of course, this would mean deviating greatly from Eloise’s plot in the books, but anything is possible. The show might forget about Theo altogether and explore Eloise and Phillip Crane’s relationship. Whether the Bridgerton producers stick to the books or not, Eloise’s love story is highly anticipated, and I think it’ll come sooner than Benedict’s.