Bridgerton Reveals Benedict’s Love Interest in Season Four of Regency Drama
Bridgerton has announced the actor who will play Benedict Bridgerton’s love interest in the show’s fourth season.
Yerin Ha, 29, best known for her role as Kwan Ha in Halo and set to appear in the upcoming Dune: Prophecy series, will take on the role of Sophie Baek in the latest season of the Regency drama about the love life of Bridgerton’s second brother, played by Luke Thompson.
Sophie is the victim of “tragic events” and is forced to spend most of her life as a maid for one of the most demanding bosses in high society. However, her circumstances “change completely” when she disguises herself as a teenage girl to attend Violet Bridgerton’s masquerade ball.
Ha was announced as part of the Bridgerton cast on social media on Wednesday (September 11). “Dear readers, as preparations for the next season of networking are almost underway, we would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of the Religion,” the announcement read.
“Introducing Yerin Ha as Sophie in Bridgerton Season 4!”
In previous seasons of Bridgerton, Benedict has shown little interest in marriage. However, his views quickly change when he meets Sophie, disguised in a silver dress, at a masquerade ball.
Ha, a Korean actress from Australia, told Tudum that Benedict’s love interest is called Sophie Beckett in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, but the character was given a Korean surname out of respect for her culture.
“A name is the first part of your identity that you share with the world, and that’s why changing your name can be so powerful,” she said. “It’s really empowering to have the name Sophie fit someone who looks like me. All the credit goes to Jess Brownell, our showrunner.”
“It was a really great way for me to feel like the role was right for me, rather than me trying to fit into a certain mold. It was amazing that it could do that just psychologically. So it meant a lot to me that Jess did that for me.”
Regarding her initial interest in the role, Ha added, “What drew me to Sophie was that she had these obstacles right away — things that she had to overcome over and over again. Whether it’s battling over social status or trying to hide his feelings for Benedict.” Benedict last appeared in season three exploring relationships with Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) and Paul Suarez (Lucas Aurelio). Ahead of taking on the lead role in the upcoming Bridgerton season, Thompson said of his character: “Benedict has always been a little lost—or free, depending on how you want to look at it. But now he’s trying to find something more solid within himself.” Bridgerton creator Shonda Rhymes added: “He’s a fascinating man who’s trying to find his way. He’s so interesting and funny, I can’t wait for people to watch him.”
