Netflix boss reveals real reason Francesca Bridgerton was recast as first season three episodes drop today
Ruby Stokes was replaced by Hannah Dodd in the new series as the character takes centre stage
A NETFLIX boss has revealed the real reason that Francesca Bridgerton was recast.
Fans are sure to be delighted as the first four episodes of season three dropped today on the global streaming giant.
But Netflix fans also might notice a significant difference as one character takes centre stage in the series.
Francesca Bridgerton is central to the plot of the new instalment of the hit period drama.
The sixth sibling was more of a background character in the first two instalments and was even completely missing from several episodes.
Now she has made her debut into society, and to take up the challenge Hannah Dodd, 28, replaced Ruby Stokes, 23, in the role.
Now, Bridgerton’s executive producer Shonda Rhimes, 54, has opened up on why the character was recast, saying there we have more to see from the character.
She explained: “It’s really wonderful to truly welcome Hannah — and Francesca.
“We’ve only ever seen tiny bits of Francesca in seasons past, and in this season she’s back from having travelled and she’s ready to get married, and you really get to know who Fran is.
“Fran’s always been the invisible sister, and now she becomes front and centre in a lot of ways for us to get to know.”
In the original Julia Quinn book series that the Netflix series is based off, Francesca is also somewhat of a distant figure.
Her dedicated plotline is the sixth instalment in the bestselling series, and in that novel she is specifically described as having “felt a little different from the rest of her family.”
In the new series, the character makes her debut into society as her mother Violet (Ruth Gemmell) plans to see her find a husband on the marriage mart.
However, she remains somewhat overwhelmed by the Ton as she searches for a partner that is truly aligned with her more reserved and music-loving nature.
Bridgerton bonk-fest
WHEN Bridgerton landed during lockdown, it swept us all into a world of bejewelled gowns, lavish balls and endless bonking – and the world went mad for it.
Even the sexless second series didn’t damp down TV viewers’ lust for the Regency romp and fans have eagerly anticipated the arrival of the third series.
Fortunately, they won’t be disappointed.
The opener finally gives us some action from gorgeous series two newlyweds Anthony and Kate in scenes that would make your granny blush.
There’s drama and intrigue as the hunt for Lady Whistledown hots us, and laugh out loud comedy from the chaotic Featherington family.
But ultimately the season belongs to new romantic leads Colin and Penelope, whose will-they-won’t-they love story is fun, flirty and utterly believable and its, ahem, climax at the end of episode four will take your breath away.
Is Bridgerton still must-watch telly? Corset is.
The original actress Ruby Stokes departed the show to film another drama, called Lockwood & Co.
Hannah Dodd, 28, also admitted that filming her first scenes in the character was ‘terrifying’ and she could identify with the part.
“Francesca has been preparing for [her debut] … Filming it was absolutely terrifying, because it was quite early on in production,” she admitted.
“There was a little bit of life imitating art there. She was nervous and I was nervous. She was watching people, and I was watching people to learn. We were kind of going through it together.”
Meanwhile, series director Tom Verica has hailed the actress for stepping into an environment that could be considered ‘intimidating’ because the cast already know each other so well.
He said: “It’s got to be pretty intimidating to step into this world, especially with all these actors knowing one another.
“She revealed later in the season that she was just absolutely terrified, which we didn’t see at the time, but we kind of assumed that stepping into this environment could be very tough.
“We were very clear about welcoming her and making her feel at home, but she was just absolutely seamless, stepping right into this role and really giving us a fresh take on Francesca.
“We really haven’t seen her world that much; just little pieces here and there. For Hannah to embody this character, with all of her idiosyncrasies and her quirks, was amazing.
The director added: “I just couldn’t be more pleased with this actress playing this role, and with seeing Francesca emerge and find her own love in a very different way than everyone else’s. She forges her own path.
“I just loved her relationship with Violet, and how close they become — acceptance is a big part of that. Ultimately, what will you do as a parent when your child starts looking for love?
“What do you want to do to help make your child happy? Hannah and Ruth just navigated that world and that dynamic together so beautifully.”
