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After Being Missing For Most Of The Show, Francesca Will Appear In “Bridgerton” Season 3, But She’ll Look A Little Different
Say hello to the newest, not-so-new Bridgerton!

After Being Missing For Most Of The Show, Francesca Will Appear In “Bridgerton” Season 3, But She’ll Look A Little Different

Are you still thinking about Bridgerton, or are you normal?

Netflix

Kate and Anthony dominate at least 25% of my brain activity 100% of the time. 

Well, I have some good news for you, because Netflix just made a major casting announcement about Season 3.

Netflix

Meet Hannah Dodd, who will be taking over the role of Francesca Bridgerton.

David M. Benett / Getty Images

Don’t worry about her, by the way: Ruby remains booked and busy as the lead in Netflix’s upcoming series Lockwood and Co. 

You might be asking yourself, “Who?” and I don’t blame you. Francesca’s minimal presence on the show thus far has been remarked upon by many fans.

Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

Francesca only appeared in the first and last episode of Season 1 because she was visiting a family member in Bath. Season 2 was originally meant to feature her more, according to showrunner Chris Van Dusen, but Ruby was only available for half the season. 

Netflix acknowledged how little we actually know about the third-youngest Bridgerton with a statement about Hannah Dodd’s casting:

“Francesca Bridgerton is a bit of a mystery within her chatty, extroverted family. Despite her reserved nature, she goes along to get along when it comes to society affairs, fortified with a dry wit and pragmatism that confound the fickle ton yet seem to draw attention when she least desires it.”

While this certainly implies that Francesca will have a larger role in Season 3, I wouldn’t assume she’ll be the leading Bridgerton sibling.

Netflix

Shonda Rhimes has already said that the show won’t necessarily follow the order of the books — Francesca’s story is the sixth in the series — but it seems unlikely that the show would make her the lead right now, when we still know so little about her. And if you’ve read When He Was Wicked, you’ll know that Francesca’s story requires a bit of backstory before getting to the main romance.

Netflix and Shondaland haven’t announced who the next leading Bridgerton will be, but Season 3 starts filming very soon…like, in a couple of weeks.

Netflix

Benedict’s book is the third in the series, but the ending of Season 2 seemed like it was setting up Colin and Penelope’s love story. 

We can only hope an announcement from Lady Whistledown is forthcoming!