During a taco dinner hosted by Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell in London, actors Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson met for the first time, sparking an immediate connection. Their warm embrace at the door was a moment that Ha fondly remembers, stating, “Oh, you’re a nice person. You have a heart of gold.” This initial connection set the tone for their partnership as they brought their characters, Benedict and Sophie, to life in the much-anticipated fourth season of Netflix’s Regency romance series.
Previously, Ha and Thompson had connected over Zoom for a chemistry reading while Ha was auditioning for the role of Sophie. Thompson, who has portrayed Benedict for three seasons, felt instant chemistry during their reading of a pivotal scene. Soon after, Ha was cast as Sophie Beckett, whose name was changed to Baek in acknowledgment of Ha’s Korean heritage. Both actors approached the portrayal of their characters with a sense of adventure, believing in the natural unfolding of their on-screen relationship.
In this season, the story draws inspiration from the classic Cinderella tale, recasting Benedict as an artistic, pansexual reinterpretation of the classic prince, and Sophie as a maid navigating an oppressive home life. Showrunner Brownell emphasized the modern twist on this narrative, ensuring that Sophie is not simply a damsel waiting for rescue, but a character committed to her agency and survival.
Ha reflected on her cherished childhood memories of Cinderella, noting how the narrative resonated with her desire for love at first sight and the thrilling notion of being seen by someone special. Despite the enchanting fairy tale elements, both actors and the show aim to depict a more relatable and nuanced version of love and romance.
Thompson highlighted Benedict’s penchant for romance and fantasy while recognizing his struggle with reality. Their characters stir personal growth in one another; Sophie’s journey instills hope in Benedict, while she learns to embrace her dreams.
Their journey commenced with a heartfelt scene in which Benedict teaches Sophie to fly a kite, a symbolic moment of their characters’ evolving relationship and the trust they are building in real life as well. Ha described the day they filmed that scene as transformative, instilling her with confidence in her role and their partnership.
Throughout the production, Thompson welcomed Ha, establishing a supportive dynamic that would enhance their performances. Ha candidly shared her struggles with imposter syndrome in stepping into such a prominent character but expressed gratitude for the opportunity. She learned that she could aspire to broader dreams and should not limit herself.
As each season of Bridgerton explores different romantic tropes, this season’s exploration of Cinderella offers new narratives by venturing into the lives of the supporting characters. The chemistry between Ha and Thompson not only sets the tone for this season but also brings depth to the beloved characters they portray, further enriching the Bridgerton universe.
With their compelling portrayals, both actors captivate audiences and invite them to explore a modern take on timeless love stories, reminding viewers of the beauty and complexity found within genuine human connections.