Every season of Bridgerton brings its own unique flair, as a new leading man and lady step into the spotlight.
For season 4, Luke Thompson’s Benedict Bridgerton takes the helm, as newcomer Yerin Ha catches his eye at his mother’s masquerade ball.
Thompson, 37, has starred in the Netflix series based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels since season 1 in 2020, which saw Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne Bridgerton marry Regé-Jean Page’s Duke of Hastings.
As he prepared to lead the show, Thompson told Vanity Fair France how each of his predecessors influenced him — and how Page, 37, in particular, took a different approach.
“Everyone did things their own way,” Thompson told the outlet. “For example, I was struck by how seriously Regé-Jean Page took his role, even though the series is also light entertainment.”
Page departed the series after season 1, calling it “the ride of a lifetime,” and has never returned to the screen. Dynevor, on the other hand, reprised her role for season 2, but has not been seen since — though she said last year she was “still waiting for [a] call” to return.
As for his two onscreen brothers, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Colin (Luke Newton), who led seasons 2 and 3, respectively, Thompson called Bailey “a firework.”
“As the lead actor, you have a bit more influence on the atmosphere on set, and he brought a positive energy,” Thompson told the outlet of the Wicked star, 37, who led season 2 alongside Simone Ashley. “It was quite impressive.”
Newton, 32, on the other hand, “has a real sensitivity,” Thompson said. “He’s a bit reserved, doesn’t talk much, and is careful not to disrupt the crew’s concentration.”
Nicola Coughlan starred alongside Newton in season 3 as Penelope Featherington.
Thompson told that while he was “tempted to ask” his predecessors for advice before filming began on season 4, which kicks off Jan. 26, he opted not to.
“I was tempted, and then I thought, no, I’m just gonna find out myself — how I want, how I feel, how it feels to me,” he said.
Thompson explained, “I think there could be an amazing book written about how everyone’s done it because it’s so personal. And it says so much about that person.”
“That’s the beauty of the show,” he said. “A different flavor [each season].”
She did say, though, that she’d been in touch with Dynevor, Ashley and Coughlan. “Basically, [they’ve said], if you want advice, please reach out. But don’t get too scared. The fans are amazing,” she revealed, adding, “That’s been the biggest thing that they said is like, don’t let them scare you, know they’re so lovely and supportive.”