The New 'Bridgerton' Season 2 Photos Are An Austen Vibe
Bridgerton. (L to R) Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton, Phoebe Dyvenor as Daphne Basset, Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton, Florence Emilia Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton, Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in episode 201 of Bridgerton. Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022
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Bridgerton's first season was a massive hit, more extensive than just about anyone anticipated. But it also set up an accidental stumbling block for Season 2. As part of the show's push to make Julia Quinn's series of singular romances a larger ensemble, the series emphasized Anthony Bridgerton as the overbearing older brother and one of the obstacles that stand in the way of the central couple in question. But as the series is following the books, Season 2 is now all about Anthony, centering him as the romantic hero. That means the show has some creative character work to do in squaring that circle.
So, how do you make a romantic hero, initially disliked by the reader (and the series' heroine), into a heartthrob? Luckily, there's a regency writer who is famous for her ability to turn the "guy we all initially disliked" into "the guy we desperately need the heroine to realize is perfect for her." Jane Austen may have only finished six books in her lifetime. However, all of them are master classes in the different ways men can go from appearing to be overbearing asses to total dreamboats our heroine absolutely must marry.
If the new photos from Bridgerton are any indication, writer and showrunner Chris Van Dusen sat down with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice and took copious notes. Season 2 may lack the Duke of Hastings to take our breaths away, but who needs Simon Basset when you've got a Viscount who's going full Darcy?
This is all about giving the audience what they want in terms of promotional photos.
Wet shirts, smoldering gazes, hot poses while wearing fabulous hats...
...And most importantly, Newton.
Netflix will likely be all about releasing new content over the next three weeks ahead of the Bridgerton Season 2 arrival if the past few days have been anything to go by. Along with the new photos, there are also half a dozen character posters out now, and a new trailer will probably be forthcoming next week.
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Other than the departing Rege-Jean Page and Ben Miller, the entire ensemble from Season 1 is expected to return, including all of the Bridgerton Clan: Jonathan Bailey, Luke Thompson, Luke Newton, Phoebe Dynevor, Claudia Jessie, Ruby Stokes, Will Tilston, Florence Hunt, and Ruth Gemmell. The Featheringtons are also back with Nicola Coughlan, Polly Walker, Bessie Carter, and Harriet Cains. Simone Ashley, Charithra Chandran, and Shelley Conn will play the Sharma family. Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews, and Golda Rosheuvel are also back, and new actors Calam Lynch and Rupert Young will debut this year.
Bridgerton Season 2 will arrive will all episodes on Friday, March 25, 2022. Bridgerton Season 1 is streaming on Netflix.
