“Bridgerton” Makes Change To Female Lead Role To Reflect Actress’ Korean Heritage
Previously, it was announced that Korean Australian actress Yerin Ha had been cast as the female lead in Season 4 of Shondaland and Netflix‘s hit period drama series Bridgerton. The rising actress is confirmed to portray the love interest of Benedict Bridgerton (played by Luke Thompson).
Yerin Ha has been cast as Sophie Beckett in ‘BRIDGERTON’ season 4.
She will play Benedict Bridgerton's love interest. pic.twitter.com/UIaEcalnQE
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) August 16, 2024
Today, Netflix has shared new posts on its official social media accounts, giving a first look at its leading lady.
The official Bridgerton, Netflix, and Shondaland accounts shared a teaser of the new lead actress, Yerin Ha, looking at various period clothes. It showcased her stunning visuals as she looked into the camera, revealing herself as the new female lead.
Dearest Gentle Reader, as preparations for the next social season are almost underway, we request a warm welcome to the newest member of the Ton….Presenting Yerin Ha as Sophie in Bridgerton Season 4! pic.twitter.com/aZBVZuZ714
— Bridgerton (@bridgerton) September 11, 2024
In the Julia Quinn novels that the series is adapted from, Benedict marries Sophie Beckett. A newly released interview with Yerin Ha revealed that the character had been changed slightly to reflect the actress’ heritage.
Was that the sound of a silver glove falling? Because Benedict’s (Luke Thompson) Bridgerton Season 4 love interest (previously known only as the Lady in Silver) has officially been cast. Halo’s Yerin Ha will play Sophie Baek, a maid whose mask — both literal and figurative — hides a mysterious history. Naturally, only someone with such fascinating depths could capture the heart of an artist like Benedict.
‘What drew me to Sophie was that she immediately has obstacles — something that she constantly has to overcome,’ Ha, who can be seen in the video above, tells Tudum after a busy day of Bridgerton rehearsals. ‘Whether it’s this battle around social status or trying to hide her feelings from Benedict.’
After all, Sophie isn’t like the debutantes that usually populate Bridgerton — and are therefore paraded in front of Benedict as options on the marriage mart. As a victim of tragic events, Sophie has been forced to spend much of her life working for the most demanding employer in the ton. But the resourceful Sophie always finds a way to persevere through her circumstances — circumstances which will drastically change after she disguises herself to attend Violet Bridgerton’s (Ruth Gemmell) masquerade ball and meets Benedict.
— Netflix
Yerin Ha explained how she considers a name to be a “powerful” aspect of a character. She credited the showrunner, Jess Brownell, for incorporating her heritage into the character’s identity as she approached the actress, inquiring about Korean surnames that begin with the letter “B.”
A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and that’s why changing a name can be so powerful. To make Sophie’s name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering. All credit to Jess Brownell, our showrunner.
— Yerin Ha
Ultimately, they settled on Baek. Yerin Ha said that the name change has helped her feel even more comfortable becoming the character.
It’s a really nice way for me to feel like the role is fit for me, rather than me having to fit a certain mold. It’s amazing what it can do just in a psychological sense. So it means a lot that Jess did that for me.
— Yerin Ha
Bridgerton Season 4 is expected to premiere in 2026.
