Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell teases Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Eloise Bridgerton’s (Claudia Jessie) next chapters heading into season 4. The hit Netflix series is based on Julia Quinn’s novel series of the same name and has brought the first, second, and fourth books to screen, alongside a prequel spin-off focused on Queen Charlotte. While season 3 focused on the relationship between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), both Benedict and Eloise experienced growth that challenged them and saw them begin their own journeys heading into Bridgerton season 4.

Recently, Brownell opened up to The Hollywood Reporter about what season 4 will bring for Benedict and Eloise. The showrunner teased that season 4 will see Benedict have the opportunity to branch out and finally discover what he is seeking following his experiences with Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) and Paul Suarez (Lucas Aurelio). Check out Brownell’s response below:

I think we’re going to continue on the storyline of Benedict learning exactly how he wants to exist in the world. There’s a moment towards the end of the season where Benedict is talking to Tilley about how he doesn’t want anything serious, and Tilly, in a very powerful way, says to him, “That’s OK, but it was really nice to want something for once.” And there’s a look on Benedict’s face that I think Luke Thompson delivers really beautifully, where you can tell that that hits him in a deep way. I think Benedict is someone who experiences a lot of breaths in his life in terms of a million different experiences, but he’s never really committed to anything. I think what he’s starting to realize is that he also craves depth, and so Benedict reconciling breadth with depth is something we’re going to dive into pretty deeply in future seasons.

The showrunner was then asked about Eloise, saying that her travels beyond the ‘Ton would give her room to find her path. Read the quote below:

Potentially. Eloise is in a tough position because she’s so different from all of the other young ladies in the ‘Ton, and I think it’s difficult for her to figure out her path in life. And so we’re continuing that. Going into season four, she’s going to be on that journey, and there’s more to come.

How Bridgerton Season 3 Set Up Benedict and Eloise’s Romances

Season 3 Ending Teases Hints At Their Respective Stories.

Given how the season challenged how he lives his life and views potential relationships, the series has placed Benedict in a prime position to center the story on him, though his season 3 trysts may lead to new layers being added to his relationship with Sophie.

While the Netflix series deviating from the books would change how Benedict’s story unfolds, the three-way relationship between him, Tilley, and Paul sets the stage for where the novels would take his journey. With Tilley opening his mind to casting aside societal pressures in the name of love, the series is poised to introduce Sophie Beckett, a heroine with her own complex story in high society. With the Bridgerton season 3 finale teasing a masquerade ball, it seems inevitable that he will meet his future partner, and lessons learned from Tilley will help him see beyond Sophie’s unfortunate circumstances.

An Offer from a Gentleman follows Benedict’s story, which opens with a masquerade ball where he meets a masked Sophie Beckett.

Meanwhile, Eloise’s season 3 arc has remained largely faithful to her novel’s trajectory should season 4 delve into her story. While Phillip Crane (Chris Fulton) is locked in a loveless marriage to preserve his family’s honor, their potential relationship hasn’t been ruled out, with the pair beginning their long-distance romance before meeting in person in the book. As such, should season 4 focus primarily on Benedict’s tale, Eloise’s arc could give her an opportunity for personal growth, alongside slowly reintroducing Phillip through their letters as she resides with Francesca in Scotland.

Given some of the hints, Benedict seems poised to take a leading role in Bridgerton season 4. Given how the season challenged how he lives his life and views potential relationships, the series has placed Benedict in a prime position to center the story on him, though his season 3 trysts may lead to new layers being added to his relationship with Sophie. Furthermore, while Eloise may not find herself as the lead romantic just yet, season 4 seems primed to take her on a journey that will expand her worldview beyond her initial plans with Penelope.