As Bridgerton fans eagerly await Season 4, the spotlight shifts to Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, with a romantic focus on his character’s complicated love story. In this season, Benedict finds himself in a class-divided relationship with Sophie Baek, a character portrayed by newcomer Yerin Ha. Sophie, the illegitimate daughter of an earl, shares a passionate and tumultuous romance with Benedict that’s rooted in the social barriers of their time. While the storyline is inspired by Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series, Ha’s recent comments hint that their love story may be influenced by more than just Cinderella—with a surprising connection to a classic literary romance.
In an interview with TV Insider, Ha revealed that, as she was working on scenes with Luke Thompson, she couldn’t help but notice the Mr. Darcy-like qualities emerging in Benedict. “It’s funny because there was a scene, and I literally said to Luke, ‘You’re giving Mr. Darcy vibes, 100 percent. So I guess Pride and Prejudice for me. I don’t think the showrunners are thinking that, but for me, I’m thinking Pride and Prejudice,” Ha shared.
The Mr. Darcy Comparison: What Does It Mean for Benedict?
Benedict Bridgerton has always been a more introspective and artistic member of the Bridgerton family, often portrayed as open-minded and somewhat reserved compared to his more extroverted siblings. However, in Season 4, the show deepens his character by exploring a romantic journey that places him in a delicate and sometimes frustrating love story with Sophie. Ha’s comparison of Benedict to Mr. Darcy—the brooding, reserved romantic hero from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice—suggests that Benedict may exhibit some of the same qualities that made Darcy one of the most beloved literary characters in history.
In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy is known for his initial aloofness, pride, and a quiet integrity that slowly gives way to a deep and respectful love for Elizabeth Bennet. This transformation—moving from coldness to warmth, from pride to self-awareness—mirrors the arc Benedict could take in his relationship with Sophie. The evolution of his character from a somewhat distant, introspective figure to a man who must confront the barriers of class and society for the woman he loves could bring a new, nuanced layer to his character.
Benedict’s Evolution: A Slow-Burn Romance with Class Conflict
This connection to Mr. Darcy’s character could suggest that Benedict’s romance with Sophie will not be as quick-paced or overtly passionate as some of the other Bridgerton relationships. Benedict’s growth in this storyline will likely involve a more patient and respectful form of courtship, where the push-and-pull of romance mirrors the slow-burn dynamics found in Austen’s works. Benedict, like Darcy, may begin the story with a sense of emotional restraint, which will gradually evolve into a more open, sincere devotion to Sophie—despite the societal divisions that challenge their love.
The comparison to Darcy also works on a thematic level, particularly when it comes to Bridgerton‘s exploration of class differences. Benedict’s relationship with Sophie brings the class conflict of the period into sharp focus. As a member of the high-society Bridgerton family, Benedict is in a privileged position, but his feelings for Sophie will test his ability to navigate the strict boundaries of the social class system. The quiet tension between love and social status will add complexity to their relationship, echoing Darcy and Elizabeth’s struggles to overcome pride and prejudice.
A More Reserved Benedict: A Departure from the Books
For Bridgerton fans familiar with the books, the portrayal of Benedict in Season 4 may be a bit of a departure from the character’s literary counterpart. In Julia Quinn’s novels, Benedict is more aggressive and assertive in his romantic pursuits, often displaying a level of boldness that pushes the envelope for Sophie. However, this new interpretation of Benedict as a character more akin to Mr. Darcy signals that the show may take a more patient, respectful approach to his relationship with Sophie, reflecting a more thoughtful and reserved side to his personality.
This shift toward a quieter, more introspective Benedict gives the show the opportunity to explore a deeper, slow-burn romance between him and Sophie—one that gradually intensifies and builds on emotional connection rather than physical attraction alone. This could appeal to viewers who enjoy romantic narratives where the relationship deepens over time, with an emphasis on mutual respect and overcoming societal obstacles together.
What This Means for Bridgerton Season 4
Ha’s comments about Benedict’s Mr. Darcy-like qualities hint at a more layered, introspective take on his character. Benedict’s story in Season 4 promises to blend Bridgerton’s signature charm with the literary sensibilities of Austen’s works, particularly in the way it approaches romance and class. As Benedict embarks on this journey with Sophie, his transformation may resemble Darcy’s in its complexity: a journey from pride and reservation to vulnerability and devotion.
In short, Bridgerton Season 4’s portrayal of Benedict could offer a more restrained, thoughtful exploration of romance—one that focuses on the emotional and social hurdles the couple must overcome. For fans of Austen’s classics and slow-burn love stories, this new direction for Benedict and Sophie’s relationship will be a compelling shift.
