The wait is over!

This writer is excited to share that Netflix has officially introduced the leading actress for “Bridgerton” Season 4.

“As we get ready for the upcoming social season, please join us in welcoming a fresh face to the Ton,” Netflix shared on X. “Meet Yerin Ha as Sophie in ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4!”

Who is Sophie?

Sophie is the romantic interest of Benedict Bridgerton. In Julia Quinn’s book “An Offer from a Gentleman,” her name is Sophie Beckett, an illegitimate daughter of Richard Gunningworth, the Earl of Penwood, and a maid. In the series, her name has been changed to Sophie Baek to honor Ha’s heritage.

Netflix describes Sophie as someone who has endured “tragic events” and has spent much of her life serving a demanding employer in high society.

In contrast to other debutantes, Sophie is a “fascinating and complex character,” who adeptly navigates her challenging situation.

“Only someone with such intriguing depth could win the heart of an artist like Benedict,” Netflix adds regarding her character.

‘Lady in silver’

As Season 3 of “Bridgerton” concluded, Eloise Bridgerton, Benedict’s sister, mentioned she would return for their mother’s masquerade ball as she departed for Scotland with her sister Francesca and brother-in-law John Stirling. In the book, it is at this ball that Benedict meets his love interest, “a lady in silver,” who is Sophie.

Ha revealed that it’s Sophie’s ability to confront continual challenges that attracted her to the role.

“I am fascinated by Sophie because she faces obstacles from the start — she always has to overcome something,” Ha shared with Netflix Tudum. “This battle for social status and hiding her feelings for Benedict makes her journey intriguing.”

Who is Yerin Ha?

The 29-year-old Ha is an actress from Australia with Korean roots, most recognized for her role as Kwan Ha in the Steven Spielberg-produced series “Halo,” where she starred for two seasons. She will also appear in the forthcoming prequel series “Dune: Prophecy.” Previously, Ha took part in Sydney Theatre Company’s “Lord of the Flies” and received recognition as a rising star by the Casting Guild of Australia in 2021.

‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 release date

According to Netflix, rehearsals for the upcoming season are now in progress, and Ha is currently mastering her dance routines with Luke Thompson, who plays Benedict Bridgerton, Sophie’s romantic interest in the show.

Ha expressed to Tudum that their dance lessons are “truly special and quite intimate.”

“Dancing acts as an expression of their feelings and serves as a method of connection,” she noted.

While Netflix has not yet revealed a premiere date for Season 4, they have previously had an inconsistent track record regarding “Bridgerton” release schedules.

The first season premiered in December 2020, followed by the second season slightly over a year later in March 2022.

Season 3, however, took significantly longer to arrive, debuting a little over two years later.

Years have gone by, and the episodes for Season 3 were released in two parts: Part 1 on May 16 and Part 2 on June 13.

Between the second and third seasons, Netflix introduced “Queen Charlotte,” a spin-off from the “Bridgerton” series, which does not feature any of the primary Bridgerton siblings.

A wait of up to two years

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter during the U.K. premiere of Part 2 in June, showrunner Jess Brownell shared that viewers might need to wait up to two years for the next season.

“We’re aiming to release the seasons more efficiently, but filming takes about eight months, and then there’s the editing and dubbing for different languages,” Brownell explained to THR. “The writing also requires significant time, so we are working on a two-year schedule and hope to expedite the process, but that’s our current timeline.”

Brownell further mentioned in a conversation with the Los Angeles Times that filming for the next season is set to start in the fall and hinted that it might have a more summery atmosphere, contrasting with the pastel spring vibes of the previous seasons.

‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 cast

Although the full cast for “Bridgerton” Season 4 has not been officially confirmed, it’s expected that many familiar faces will return, though their screentime might be limited based on earlier seasons.

Here is a list of characters and the actors who played them in Season 3 of “Bridgerton”:

• Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton
• Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton
• Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington
• Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton
• Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton
• Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma
• Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton
• Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton
• Victor Alli as Lord John Stirling (the Earl of Kilmartin)
• Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling, Lord John’s cousin
• Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton
• Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton
• Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte
• Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury
• Julie Andrews as Lady Whistledown
• Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley
• Harriet Cains as Philipa Featherington
• Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington
• Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper
• Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich
• Polly Walker as Portia Featherington
• Daniel Francis as Marcus Anderson
• Sam Phillips as Lord Debling

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for YSL News. You can  find her on X @saman_shafiq7.