Luke Thompson leads Bridgerton season as Benedict takes center stage

Luke Thompson is the lead of the new season of Netflix’s Bridgerton, which comes to the streamer on Jan. 29, the actor said. Thompson, who has performed Shakespeare for more than a decade, discussed the role in an interview while promoting the season. Thompson argued that Bridgerton shares a “Shakespearean sensibility,” citing heightened reality and historical settings as common ground.

In Season 4, Benedict Bridgerton — long a fan favorite as the charming second son — falls for a maid pretending to be a lady at a masked ball, a meet‑cute Thompson described as “that comedy of meeting in disguise.” The mysterious woman, Sophie (played by Yerin Ha), was the daughter of an Earl and has been supporting herself since her father’s death; she challenges Benedict over his libertine behaviour, which the actor said terrifies the character.

By the start of the season Benedict is contemplating commitment and marriage, and Thompson said, “Benedict’s plight is like a lot of people’s plight nowadays,” noting that you often have to make a choice. Thompson said he has been thinking about protecting his personal life as the show brings more attention.

He was cast as Benedict in 2019 and has balanced screen work with high‑profile stage roles, including time at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and Shakespeare’s Globe.

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Culture, Luke Thompson, Bridgerton, Netflix, Benedict Bridgerton, Yerin Ha