Luke Thompson on Bridgerton’s Impact and His Role as Benedict

Luke Thompson had a moment of realization while watching the first episode of Bridgerton. It was during that opening scene where he heard the Vitamin String Quartet’s rendition of Ariana Grande’s “Thank You, Next,” while actors Jonathan Bailey and Phoebe Dynevor made their entrance in a grand ballroom. “That really resonated with me,” he recalled during an interview in December 2025.

He mentioned that after viewing the episode, he thought, “Oh, this show is something else.” It had its own universe, he felt—very consistent in its vibe, if you know what I mean.

Reflecting back, he recalled, “It was a typical scene in Bridgerton. And at that point, we were still in the dark about what it would become.” The image of walking through the room with that lively music playing has stuck with him.

Since the show premiered on Christmas Day 2020, Thompson has gained global recognition as Benedict Bridgerton, the second eldest of the Bridgerton siblings. Benedict is depicted as a bohemian artist with an unrestrained spirit. Unlike his siblings, who have settled down, he has been more focused on his passion for painting and exploring his bisexuality. However, this season introduces a new character, a “silver lady,” who seems poised to bring about change in his life.

This latest season takes on the storyline from Julia Quinn’s third book, Offer from a Gentleman, where Benedict encounters an enchanting woman at a masquerade ball hosted by his mother. Their chemistry is palpable, culminating in a scandalous kiss before she abruptly leaves as the clock strikes midnight. As fate would have it, this “Silver Lady” is actually Sophie Baek (played by Yerin Ha), the daughter of a deceased nobleman who has fallen under the control of her wicked stepmother.

Despite his determination to find his dream woman, Benedict views Sophie only as a maid at first. Their relationship develops with some of the most entertaining banter, allowing Thompson to truly embrace his role as a rom-com hero. “I was genuinely thrilled when I first read the script,” he remarked, finding it intriguing to adapt to the book’s essence.

He added, “Benedict is unaware that she’s the ‘silver lady,’ so their dynamic involves a playful teasing, which is wonderful to portray.”

As Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 (covering Episodes 1-4) gets set to drop on January 29th, audiences are eager to delve deeper into the world of Benedict Bridgerton. Each season has stirred up a cultural craze, from viral memes to rampant speculation about new romances.

Season 2 star Jonathan Bailey, recently crowned the “sexiest man alive,” has shared fallbacks with other leading actors, including Luke Newton. Both have promised to pass on any wisdom they’ve gained from their experiences, but Thompson seems to prefer paving his own path.

“If I needed advice, I’d seek it, but I honestly felt I could learn just by watching them for three seasons,” he explained. “I want to absorb what they do, but I also want to figure it out my way.”

“I knew advice would be there if I needed it, and that was comforting. But I like to find things out myself,” he stated.

Thompson appreciates that each leading character in Bridgerton slightly shifts the narrative every season. “What’s brilliant about this show is its evolving nature,” he expressed. “While I didn’t need advice, the option was reassuring.”

When asked about his personal approach to embodying Benedict, he simply smiled and seemed unfazed.

During his visit, Thompson was not alone. He was joined by Hannah Dodd, who took on the role of Francesca in Season 3.

The show’s creator, Jess Brownell, sparked debate last season by introducing queer storylines for both characters. Benedict explored his bisexuality, while Francesca faced her own discoveries about attraction. When asked about their connection as the first siblings to navigate queer romances in the series, they expressed a desire for deeper exploration of their characters’ stories.

“We don’t share many scenes, which is unique,” Thompson noted. “There’s a bit of uncertainty between our characters.”

While Thompson’s character doesn’t serve as a bond for the brothers yet, Dodd hopes for more interaction in the narrative ahead, saying, “It would be fascinating since we actually have much in common.”

Though Thompson may not have sought advice from his on-screen brothers, it struck him how Benedict could serve as a confidant for Francesca in the show.

“In some ways, Benedict would offer great support,” he said. “His encounters with sexuality are quite calm, and it’s intriguing how they don’t define him.”

“He would be really wonderful for Francesca to turn to,” Dodd added enthusiastically.

With the upcoming release of Season 4, viewers will finally witness Benedict’s much-anticipated encounter with the love of his life at the masquerade. It’s not just about the costumes; it’s about unveiling his true self, hidden away for far too long.

The first part of Bridgerton Season 4 is set to premiere on Netflix on January 29th.