After what feels like forever, Netflix have revealed the first look images for the upcoming series of Bridgerton at their global fan event TUDUM in Brazil this weekend. The third series of the international hit, which is produced by Shonda Rhimes and based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series, will focus on the characters of Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin (Luke Newton).
The second series saw much more of a focus on Penelope as Lady Whistledown, including how she publishes her scandal paper each week. For fans, this meant glimpses at Nicola Coughlan using her own Irish accent when Penelope is discretely handling Whistledown business. In the final episode, Eloise (Claudia Jessie) discovered her secret in an explosive argument that was left unresolved. The final episode also saw Penelope overhear Colin mocking her to his friends at a party, leaving her devastated due to her burgeoning feelings for him.
The series is set to see Penelope attempt to seek a husband; Colin, having returned home from the summer and trying to win her friendship back, offers to coach her in how to woo a suitor. However, he is forced to reconsider how platonic his feelings for his ‘friend’ may be.
Coughlan confirmed in May 2022 that the third season of the show would be focusing on the couple coined ‘Polin’, after much fan speculation. Coughlan and Newton had demonstrated impressive onscreen chemistry in the previous seasons, however, the third book in Julia Quinn’s series, An Offer From A Gentleman, instead focuses on the second Bridgerton brother, Benedict (Luke Thompson). Colin and Penelope’s romance is the focus of the fourth book, Romancing Mr Bridgerton, so its likely Bridgerton is moving away from the chronology of the books.
The season is set to see many of the main cast return, however, Phoebe Dynevor, who played Daphne in the first two seasons, has confirmed that she will not be appearing in the third, though has not ruled out the possibility of a return. Joining the show for the series are Daniel Francis, Sam Phillips and James Phoon. This comes as Chris van Dusen leaves the show, with Jess Brownell taking over as showrunner, following his resignation. Brownell will also serve as an executive producer, alongside Van Dusen, Shonda Rimes, Betsey Beers and Tom Verica, from Shondaland.
The release date for the series is yet to be announced.
Words by Jess Boot-Cowie
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