Cameras are rolling on the Netflix hit.
'Bridgerton' Season 2 Is Back in Production After That COVID Scare
If you’re like us, then you’re completely and utterly obsessed with Netflix’s Bridgerton and need to know if a second season is on its way.
Well, it’s happening! Netflix confirmed Bridgerton season two on Wednesday, January 21. “Prepare for another social season. Bridgerton is returning for season two, only on Netflix,” reads a tweet from the show’s account. (Bridgerton has also been renewed for a third and fourth season, btw!)
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Here’s everything we know so far about what to expect:
Filming. Production started in London in the spring of 2021.
Season two will focus on Daphne’s brother. “We left Anthony Bridgerton at the end of the first season at a bit of a crossroads,” Van Dusen said on Today With Hoda & Jenna, “so I’m looking forward to jumping in and see how he fares in the marriage market.”
So, who is Kate Sheffield, Anthony’s leading lady? In the second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, Kate Sheffield is the older sister of the woman Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) is set to marry, Edwina. But when she decides Mr. Bridgerton isn’t good enough for her little sis, it kicks off an enemies-to-lovers plot that readers loved.
On February 15, Netflix announced that Sex Education star Simone Ashley would be taking on the role of Kate, who will now be known as Kate Sharma.
The cast has been wanting this for a while. Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington, recently told Radio Times, “I feel like we’ve established this big world, so I’d love to explore more of it.”
She added, “I’d love to go on that journey with her, to see how she’s changed. I’d really love to come back, because I feel like we’ve just scratched the surface. And because there’s such a huge cast in this show, there’s so much more of all the characters.”
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The show’s second season won’t be available any time soon, though. Much like The Crown, Bridgerton has a lengthy filming schedule, which means fans will likely have to wait until at least 2022 for Netflix to drop new episodes.
It’s going to be driven by “peak thirst.” When asked by Vanity Fair if “peak thirst” is the mantra for season two, Van Dusen said, “Absolutely. We’re inspired by really delicious romance novels, and the sensuality [and] sexuality was always something that we were excited to be able to lean into on the show.” I’m already sweating.
There will be Meghan Markle and Prince Harry parallels. Specifically, as it pertains to Daphne and Simon’s new baby. “I really can’t say too much, nor would you expect me to, but I guess what we do know absolutely is that they’re married now. It’s a new married life and they have the baby, so there are all the vagaries of what that is like for young people with a new baby,” Adjoa Andoh—who plays Lady Danbury—revealed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I mean, Harry and Meghan, what’s it like when you have a new baby? How does it affect you when [you are] a young couple with a new baby?”
That being said, Regé-Jean Page is not returning. Absolutely devastating. In June, Dynevor gave a bit more insight into what the series will look like without its broody duke. “It’s definitely different,” the Netflix star told The Wrap in an interview published on June 2. “And I’ve said it before, but I think the fans who have read the books and know the books are aware that every season will focus on a different sibling’s journey. And it might be a little bit more of a—not shock, but like a surprise for the fans that love Daphne and Simon’s story so much. But I think that’s honestly the joy of the show in the long-term, getting to see these different love stories play out.”
“I think he’ll definitely be referred to a lot. I think we’ll see the baby,” Dynevor continued. “And we’ll just focus more on her relationship with the Bridgerton family.”
We’ll finally meet the Bridgertons’ father! On May 28, news broke that the series had cast Rupert Evans (Charmed, The Man in the High Castle) as Edmund, father of the eight Bridgerton siblings. Edmund, wife of Violet, was already dead at the beginning of season one, so we’ll probably see Evans in flashbacks or dream sequences. (The series doesn’t seem to be headed in a ghostly direction, but hey, we’ll see.)
Netflix calls the character “a loving and devoted husband, whose true love match with Violet Bridgerton gave them eight perfect children. He’s also an endlessly patient and kind father, who takes special pride in guiding his eldest son Anthony through life.” Can’t wait to meet him!
Filming has begun—and your first look at Kate is here! On May 1, People shared a new photo from the set of season two that features our new main couple, Anthony and Kate.
Production reportedly shut down due to positive COVID-19 tests. According to Us Weekly, filming paused for 24 hours after a crew member tested positive for the coronavirus. “Production briefly paused due to a very small number of positive covid cases,” a source said. “All COVID-19 health and safety protocols were followed and those impacted have been isolated. No cast [members were] affected.” Production reportedly started back up on July 16.
Unfortunately, on July 17, Deadline reported that production shut down again—this time indefinitely—following a second positive COVID-19 test.
As of August 3, cameras are rolling again! Showrunner Chris Van Dusen told Variety, "We are back under way. We had to delay because of COVID, but we’re back in it,” adding, “Right now I’m in post, editing our first couple episodes, which are looking great.” Thank heavens.
This post will be updated.
This story originally appeared on: Glamour - Author:Condé Nast
