“I think we are going to end up with two stories, one on page and one on screen”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY NETFLIX
*Spoiler warning: Bridgerton season three and the original books*
Bridgerton author Julia Quinn has defended the Netflix screen adaptation’s choice to give Francesca a queer love story. Despite some backlash from fans about the change from the original books, Julia has said that she trusts Shondaland’s vision for the Bridgerton world.
In series three, audiences watched as Francesca (Hannah Dodd) fell in love with John Stirling (Victor Alli). However, despite agreeing to get married, the end of season three hinted that Francesca’s eyes were more captivated by John’s cousin… Michaela Stirling.
While in the original books, Francesca falls in love with John’s male cousin Michael, Julia Quinn has turned to Instagram to express why she supported the inclusion of this new queer love story.
“Many Bridgerton fans have expressed their surprise, and for some, disappointment in the twist at the end of Bridgerton season three,” Julia wrote in a statement on Instagram.
The author continued: “Anyone who has seen an interview with me from the past four years knows that I am deeply committed to the Bridgerton world becoming more diverse and inclusive as the stories move from book to screen.”
Julia also said that she was convinced that Francesca’s series would be the “most emotional and heart-wrenching” instalment of the show. She asked fans to “grant me and the Shondaland team some faith as we move forward. I think we are going to end up with two stories, one on page and one on screen, and they will both be beautiful and moving.”
We can’t wait to see where the Shondaland team will take Francesca’s love story!
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