'Bridgerton' Showrunner Reveals When She First Pitched Michaela Stirling Idea, If Julia Quinn Approved of the Francesca Book Change

Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell is speaking out about the major Francesca storyline at the end of season three.

Spoilers ahead if you have not finished watching Bridgerton’s third season.

In season three, Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) married John Stirling (Victor Alli). If you’ve read the Bridgerton books, you’ll know that John’s character ends up dying a sudden death and she eventually remarries his cousin, Michael Stirling. Well, in the show, we were introduced to the character of “Michael,” who had been gender swapped to Michaela Stirling, portrayed by Masali Baduza.

Now, the showrunner is explaining the change, when they first started talking about it, and if she received the book’s author Julia Quinn‘s blessing.

Keep reading to find out…