Will Bridgerton Society Embrace Michaela and Francesca’s Romance?
Bridgerton‘s Masali Baduza and Hannah Dodd discuss the societal acceptance of Michaela and Francesca’s relationship following the show’s controversial gender-swapping twist.
“We may not be completely there in terms of understanding, but I hope we’ve begun to open up possibilities and that people are a bit more receptive now,” Dodd, 30, said during an interview with Deadline on Monday, March 2, reflecting on how other characters might react to Michaela and Francesca’s romance.
Dodd further hinted at the current status of the fictional couple.
“It’s intriguing because they’re on very different journeys right now. I can only speak for Francesca, who is still discovering her feelings,” she elaborated regarding the end of season 4. “She senses something within herself, yet remains unaware of what that actually means. She has a lot on her plate. While she feels something, she cannot quite label it.”
Baduza, 28, suggested that Michaela is in a different mental space, noting, “Michaela certainly feels an attraction to Francesca, but she cannot act on those feelings since it’s her cousin’s wife. Any feelings that arise, she suppresses deep down.”
She added, “I’m eager to delve into Michaela’s perspective and to explore what she felt upon first seeing Francesca, all while locking those feelings away. I’m excited for more exploration of their story.”
Michaela and Francesca’s relationship has sparked discussions, even though Julia Quinn‘s book When He Wicked hasn’t been adapted yet. Season 3 touched on Francesca’s romantic life when she met her husband, John (Victor Alli). At the season’s conclusion, Francesca came across his cousin, Michaela, who was originally written as Michael in the books.
“The transformation of Michaela from Michael — as per the books — is something I’ve been advocating for since season 1,” showrunner Jess Brownell disclosed to Teen Vogue in June 2024. “My goal in portraying a queer narrative within Bridgerton has been to draw thematic cues from the books. I didn’t want to insert a queer character merely for the sake of it.”
After reading Quinn’s novel, Brownell identified something remarkable, stating, “I aim to narrate a story that genuinely reflects a queer experience. When I first read Francesca’s book, it resonated with me as a queer woman. Perhaps not in the way Julia Quinn intended.”
Brownell emphasized her own experiences as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community to enrich Francesca’s storyline.
“Her book centers on [Francesca] feeling different without understanding why. While it primarily discusses her introverted nature, as a queer woman, much of my own experience—and that of my friends—centers around the feeling of being different and navigating its implications,” she explained. “Additionally, there’s substantial research and thought behind the decision to transform Michael into Michaela.”
Brownell continued, “In planning a queer story, it was crucial for me to envision how we could depict a happy ending and showcase queer joy, which is often absent in period dramas. There are historical examples of women like Francesca carving out happy endings.”
This narrative shift has drawn criticism from book fans who hoped for a faithful adaptation of the romance. Last month, Baduza spoke about the backlash after season 4’s launch.
“I recognize that the fans of Bridgerton’s books are quite passionate about these characters, and I share that passion,” Baduza shared with Refinery29 Australia on Thursday, February 26, expressing her pride in telling a queer narrative on the show.
Baduza remarked, “Every story deserves to be told. I have deep affection for Michaela, and I’m incredibly proud to share this story with Hannah. In Bridgerton, many characters are evolving and discovering new aspects of themselves. That acceptance is pivotal, and I hope it reflects back into society.”
Bridgerton is currently streaming on Netflix.
