It looks like more queer representation isn’t coming to the world of Bridgerton anytime soon, according to the new showrunner.
Jess Brownell sat down with Variety to open up about her changes to the hit Netflix show after Chris Van Dusen’s departure. Season three focuses on the relationship between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington and skips the next book’s storyline. This likely means no queer storylines in Bridgerton for some time.
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Interviewer Emily Longeretta asked Browell about the potential for LGBTQ+ relationships. “Right now, I really am so focused on Pen and Colin and how we’re rolling them out that my head’s really in that in the day-to-day, but maybe at a later date that’s something we can talk about,” Browell replied.
The lack of queer diversity has been painfully obvious, especially because the show has amazing inclusivity in terms of race for a period piece. Still, fans want more, and for many, Browell’s answer is incredibly disappointing.
“I’m so glad you asked and let me just start by saying look over there!”
— Adam Goldman (@theadamgoldman) May 16, 2022
Like seriously y’all can’t take five minutes with the show runners & writers to talk about how to include queer people in the show. That’s the answer we’re going with here. “Maybe we’ll talk about it later” with queer rep is always code for “we will not be talking about it later
— laynie rose ????☠️????️???? (@thelaynierose) May 16, 2022
The queer cast feared coming out
Unfortunately, this isn’t all too surprising. The queer storylines are often tossed to the side. Even some of the cast members, who are queer in real life, feared how coming out would negatively impact their careers. Openly gay actress Golda Rosheuvel, who plays the Queen of England, was told not to come out. While she didn’t say who gave her the advice, she said it came from a lesbian director. Additionally, Rosheuvel’s co-star Jonathan Bailey also shared he was afraid of coming out.
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Season three of Bridgerton is set to come out in summer 2023.
