The First Glimpse of Bridgerton Season 4 Features Several Characters, But Michaela Stirling Is Nowhere to Be Seen
A preview of Bridgerton season 4 was revealed during the Season of Love event. Although the virtual event included showrunner Jess Brownell, Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), Yerin Ha (Sophie Baek), Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), and Hugh Sachs (Brimsley), the actual footage from season 4 showcased a much larger cast. This first look contained behind-the-scenes clips and exclusive images, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect. Additionally, the actors present at the event teased different storylines and provided answers to several questions regarding the new season.
Some Familiar Faces Are Absent From the Preview
Despite the excitement surrounding the Season of Love event, some important characters were noticeably missing from the footage. Kate Sharma Bridgerton did not appear in the preview, and the only official update about her was a confirmation that she would return in season 4. Another surprising absence was Michaela Stirling. This is particularly unexpected since Masali Baduza, the actress playing Michaela, has already been confirmed for the season. Her absence is even more intriguing given the significant change from Michael Stirling to Michaela Stirling in the adaptation.
Michaela Stirling Is a Refreshing and Positive Change for Bridgerton
The Character Will Enhance Francesca’s Storyline and Improve the Adaptation of When He Was Wicked
Although introducing Michaela Stirling is an unexpected twist, it ultimately makes sense. In her brief appearance in Bridgerton season 3, episode 8, “Into the Light,” Michaela instantly captures the charm and wit associated with Michael Stirling. While Michael was an entertaining character, his portrayal in When He Was Wicked included problematic elements. Francesca, struggling to move on from her late husband John, faces intense pressure from Michael. His frustration grows so much that he eventually threatens her with sexual assault to force her into marriage.
By replacing Michael with Michaela, Bridgerton removes these troubling aspects while preserving the best parts of the character’s personality. Francesca’s story now takes a different yet meaningful direction, making her the perfect choice for an LGBTQ+ romance. In the books, Francesca is different from her siblings—she often seeks solitude and follows her own path. These characteristics align well with a sapphic storyline. Although some fans worry about how Bridgerton will handle Francesca’s infertility arc, the show still has an opportunity to honor that part of her journey.
Bridgerton Must Embrace Michaela Stirling Rather Than Overlook Her
Michaela Deserves Recognition and Support From the Show
Since Michaela Stirling was introduced, very little information has been shared about her role in the upcoming season. Despite the controversy surrounding this change, author Julia Quinn has publicly expressed her support on Facebook, which is a significant step. Given the backlash Masali Baduza has faced, it is crucial for Bridgerton to stand by both the actress and the character. Changing Michael to Michaela was a bold and meaningful decision, but it should not be downplayed.
Instead of keeping Michaela in the shadows, Bridgerton should fully embrace her presence and highlight the love story between Francesca and Michaela. By doing so, the show can demonstrate its commitment to representation and storytelling that resonates with a wider audience.
