"It's interesting": Bridgerton star Luke Thompson shares his thoughts on Season 4's 'Cinderella story' around Benedict and Sophie

Bridgerton has turned into a fan favorite show since its release. The regency romance show continues to captivate viewers across the world with its blend of modern sensibilities and period drama. After years of successful seasons, the series is poised to embark on a new chapter. This time, the spotlight has shifted to Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson.

The season promises a new perspective on commitment and love. Benedict's story takes center stage as he transforms from a carefree bachelor into someone seeking raw connection.

The season draws inspiration from the classic Cinderella story but flips it. Instead of following the mysterious woman, audiences will experience the prince's perception as he looks for his lost love after an unexpected encounter at a masquerade ball.

Benedict's character evolution across Bridgerton

Throughout the earlier seasons, viewers have watched Benedict keep his distance from sincere relationships. He has always valued his independence above everything else. The character built an easy life where he could charm everyone without truly committing to anyone. Thompson explains that Benedict developed a strong strategy for navigating the world on his own terms.

However, this approach came with limitations that prevented genuine emotional depth. The performer suggests that Benedict's reluctance to settle down might come from childhood trauma. Losing his father at a young age left a considerable impact.

Watching his mother grieve for a long time created a fear of the same potential fate. This background helps explain why Benedict resists falling intensely in love with someone. The character has essentially been looking after himself from potential heartbreak by keeping everyone at a distance.

The masquerade ball that brings a shift in Bridgerton

The fourth season opens with a unique moment for Benedict. At a masquerade ball, he encounters a mysterious woman whose identity stays hidden behind a mask. This meeting sweeps him off his feet in ways he never saw coming. For someone who prides themselves on emotional isolation, this connection feels out of the world. The experience compels Benedict to confront what he truly wants from life.

Thompson describes this as placing Benedict exactly where he feels hesitant. This discomfort becomes the catalyst for growth and more engaging character choices. Bridgerton has consistently excelled at putting characters in complex situations that reveal their true nature.

A reverse fairytale approach in Bridgerton

The season adopts a different perspective on the Cinderella story. Rather than following the woman who loses her sandals, the audience witnesses the search through the princess's eyes. Thompson acknowledges that this parallel emerged organically rather than through deliberate strategy.

He said the following in a chat with ManofMany:

"It's interesting, not in a deliberate way. But the thing that's amazing about being in a story that has very clearly heavy Cinderella elements is the knowledge of what that means (to people). The reason the Cinderella story has been around for all these years is because it's clearly evocative. It has meaning for all of us, everyone knows what Cinderella is, and what it's about."

"I think the great thing about a myth like Cinderella is that it can be retold, and has been retold, in all sorts of ways. There are all sorts of different versions of it, and this is just another permutation of it."

I think it really focuses on the whole thing of 'fantasy versus reality'. How can you meet someone in the realm of romance, but then how do you tie that with being in a relationship with someone in the real world?

Long-form television's unique advantages for Bridgerton

Playing Benedict across for many years has given Thompson opportunities to explore the character's motivations. Long-term television allows character portraits to expand and develop eventually. The most intriguing aspects emerge when characters surprise both the audience and the actors.

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Thompson in particular values moments when Benedict acts out of character. These moments reveal separate dimensions and demonstrate how people grow and transform.

Thompson has grown alongside Benedict, discovering new layers with every passing season. The upcoming episodes promise to display sides of the character nobody has witnessed before.

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