Bridgerton author Julia Quinn commented on changes in the series: gay casting sparked controversy
28 june 2024 в 07:37
The author of the series «Bridgerton» Julia Quinn spoke out about comments made regarding the inclusion of a gay casting in the series, which contradicts the characters from the books, in a post on Instagram published on June 25.
«Many 'Bridgerton' fans have expressed their surprise and, for some, disappointment that at the end of the third season of 'Bridgerton' - Michael Sterling, who Francesca ultimately falls in love with in 'When He Was Wicked', will instead become Michaela. Anyone who has seen interviews with me over the past four years knows that I am deeply committed to making the world of 'Bridgerton' more diverse and inclusive as the stories transition from books to screen. But changing the gender of the main character is a huge change, so when Jess Brownell first approached me with the idea of turning Michael into Michaela for the show, I needed more information before I agreed», - noted the 54-year-old writer.
The controversy began after Francesca Bridgerton’s love interest — played by Hannah Dodd — was replaced by a woman, Michaela Sterling — played by Masali Baduza, while in the books it was a man. «I trust Shondaland’s vision for 'Bridgerton', but I wanted to make sure that we could remain true to the spirit of the book and the characters. Jess and I discussed this at length. More than once. I emphasized that it was extremely important to me that Francesca’s constant love for John be shown on screen… I didn’t want to just tell the reader that they loved him. I wanted the reader to feel it», - she continued.
She concluded her post with the words: «Honestly, this may even hit harder, as John gets much more screen time than ever on the pages, and I think it’s safe to say we all fell a little in love with him… I am grateful for your understanding and touched by your deep dedication to the characters of the world of 'Bridgerton'».
«I ask you to give me and the Shondaland team a little faith as we move forward. I think we will have two stories, one on the pages and one on the screen, and they will both be beautiful and touching», - she concluded her statement
«Many 'Bridgerton' fans have expressed their surprise and, for some, disappointment that at the end of the third season of 'Bridgerton' - Michael Sterling, who Francesca ultimately falls in love with in 'When He Was Wicked', will instead become Michaela. Anyone who has seen interviews with me over the past four years knows that I am deeply committed to making the world of 'Bridgerton' more diverse and inclusive as the stories transition from books to screen. But changing the gender of the main character is a huge change, so when Jess Brownell first approached me with the idea of turning Michael into Michaela for the show, I needed more information before I agreed», - noted the 54-year-old writer.
The controversy began after Francesca Bridgerton’s love interest — played by Hannah Dodd — was replaced by a woman, Michaela Sterling — played by Masali Baduza, while in the books it was a man. «I trust Shondaland’s vision for 'Bridgerton', but I wanted to make sure that we could remain true to the spirit of the book and the characters. Jess and I discussed this at length. More than once. I emphasized that it was extremely important to me that Francesca’s constant love for John be shown on screen… I didn’t want to just tell the reader that they loved him. I wanted the reader to feel it», - she continued.
She concluded her post with the words: «Honestly, this may even hit harder, as John gets much more screen time than ever on the pages, and I think it’s safe to say we all fell a little in love with him… I am grateful for your understanding and touched by your deep dedication to the characters of the world of 'Bridgerton'».
«I ask you to give me and the Shondaland team a little faith as we move forward. I think we will have two stories, one on the pages and one on the screen, and they will both be beautiful and touching», - she concluded her statement
© Kolganov Andrey
