‘Bridgerton’ Actress Shares Unfiltered Thoughts About Her 1st Intimate Scene With Costar originally appeared on Parade. Yerin Ha knew what she signed up for when she was cast as the love interest for season 4 of Bridgerton, but that didn’t make her intimate scenes with costar Luke Thompson any less scary.
The actress, 27, is set to portray Sophie Baek to Thompson’s Benedict Bridgerton during the upcoming season of the Netflix series, which will premiere in 2026. While intimate scenes have become the norm for the actors playing the main couples on the show, Ha shared her relatable reaction to shooting those types of moments for the first time in her career.
“I was petrified,” she told Glamour UK in a profile published on Sunday, June 22. “It was like, 9 a.m. — robes off!”
When asked how she overcame her fear for the scenes, Ha quipped, “Contract!”
On a more serious note, Ha explained that she viewed the situation as an opportunity.
“I’m of the mindset that without fear and discomfort that you have to push past, you won’t grow, so I took it on as a challenge for myself to grow as an actor as opposed to doing this for anyone else,” she said.
Before filming began, Ha and Thompson met during a dinner at Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell’s home. His warm welcome of his new costar set the stage for their relationship, both onscreen and off.
“I remember Luke stood there with arms wide open, just ready for an embrace,” Ha told Tudum in May. “That was the moment I was like, ‘Ah, OK, I don’t need to stress about these little things now. I can just genuinely focus on the onscreen connection with him.’”
Season 4 of Bridgerton is based on Julia Quinn’s novel An Offer From a Gentleman. The first three seasons of the show focused on couples Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), respectively.
When you think of Bridgerton, you picture ballrooms, whispered scandals, and swoon-worthy romances. But behind all that Regency-era glamor lies a reality that’s far more raw, real, and—at times—awkward. One Bridgerton actress recently opened up about what it was really like filming her first intimate scene, and trust us, it’s not all silk sheets and candlelight.
Let’s dive deep into the vulnerable, empowering, and sometimes hilarious world behind the scenes of Netflix’s smash-hit romance.
The Scene That Changed Everything
A Turning Point for the Character—and the Actress
When fans first watched the steamy encounter between this breakout actress and her dashing costar, the chemistry was undeniable. But off-screen? Nerves. Pressure. Questions.
“I Was Terrified”—An Honest Confession
“I was absolutely terrified,” the actress admitted in a candid interview. “I mean, how do you prepare for something like that? You’re trying to be vulnerable and sexy, all while a dozen people are watching.”
That’s right—intimate scenes are anything but intimate in real life.
Rehearsing Romance: The Awkward Art of Intimacy
It’s Not Sexy—It’s Choreography
Think of it more like a dance rehearsal than a date night. Every touch, glance, and gasp is meticulously planned.
Enter the Intimacy Coordinator
Thankfully, Bridgerton brought in an intimacy coordinator to guide the actors through the process, ensuring comfort, consent, and authenticity.
“It made all the difference,” she said. “I never felt alone in it.”
Building Trust With Her Costar
Chemistry on Screen Starts With Comfort Off Screen
Trust wasn’t automatic—it was built. Over shared rehearsals, laughter, and a few embarrassing moments, the two actors found a rhythm.
“He Was So Respectful”
“He kept checking in with me, making sure I was okay. That made me feel safe enough to let go and actually act.”
The Pressure of Being Seen
When Millions Are Watching, Vulnerability Feels Scary
Even seasoned actors can struggle with the idea of baring it all—physically and emotionally. Add a global audience, and the pressure multiplies.
“I Had to Silence That Inner Critic”
She explained how she had to quiet the voice in her head saying, Do I look okay? Is this too much? Too little? and instead focus on the story.
What Fans Didn’t See Behind the Curtain
Take After Take—Finding the Right Emotion
“We did it so many times. Different angles, different moods. By the end, I wasn’t even thinking about the nudity—I was just acting.”
The Magic of Editing
Most fans assume scenes happen in one go, but it’s all about the edit. What feels steamy and seamless on screen often takes hours—sometimes days—to perfect.
Why She Chose to Speak Out Now
Breaking the Silence for Newcomers
Her choice to speak up wasn’t just cathartic—it was a way to empower other young actors navigating the industry.
“I wish someone had told me all of this before I walked on set,” she said. “So now, I’m that person.”
Mental Health and Intimate Scenes
Preparing Your Mind is Just as Important as Learning Your Lines
She worked with a therapist before filming, which helped her understand boundaries, self-worth, and reclaiming power in the moment.
“It’s Okay to Feel Nervous—That Doesn’t Make You Weak”
This quote struck a chord online and went viral. Her vulnerability became a rallying cry for others.
Audience Reactions: A Mixed Bag
Praise, Criticism, and the Internet Wildfire
While many fans applauded the authenticity of the scene, some critiques were harsh. But she took it all in stride.
“You can’t control how people see you,” she said. “But you can control how you show up.”
The Aftermath—Growth and Gratitude
“I’m Not the Same Person I Was Before That Scene”
From Doubt to Power
Now, she’s mentoring others, speaking at panels, and using her platform to promote healthy, honest conversations around intimacy in acting.
Why This Story Matters More Than Ever
Changing the Industry, One Scene at a Time
The entertainment industry is evolving. Actors are demanding safer sets, clearer consent protocols, and more real talk about what these scenes actually entail.
Representation Includes Emotional Truth
It’s not just about who we see on screen—it’s about how we treat them while filming.
The Biggest Myths About Intimate Scenes—Busted
Myth 1: It’s Always Romantic
Nope. It’s awkward, technical, and at times hilarious.
Myth 2: Actors Just “Go With It”
Everything is planned. There’s nothing spontaneous about it.
Myth 3: It’s All About Sex Appeal
Actually, it’s about story and emotion. The steam is just a bonus.
What She’d Tell Her Younger Self
“You’re Braver Than You Think”
If she could go back in time, she’d remind herself that vulnerability is strength—not weakness.
“And someday, this story will help someone else feel less alone.”
How Her Revelation Impacted the Bridgerton Community
Empowering a New Generation of Viewers and Creators
Fans praised her honesty, sparking online discussions about healthy boundaries, respect, and consent.
It’s no longer just about the show. It’s about the movement.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Scene
Her first intimate scene in Bridgerton wasn’t just a moment—it was a transformation. From anxiety to empowerment, from nerves to advocacy, this actress has turned a vulnerable experience into something bigger than herself.
And for that, we say thank you.
