Francesca’s storyline in Bridgerton Season 3 has proven to be a focal point, even more so as the finale has revealed a change to her love story.
Fans were happy to see the blossoming of Francesca’s own love journey with John as a very likable couple. But readers of the books are aware her story turns grim when John dies sometime after their marriage.
In fact, Francesca’s true love storyline is with John’s cousin Michael. They become close after she is widowed and, with no husband, she begins to follow her feelings for him.
But in Bridgerton Season 3, Michael Sterling has become Michaela Sterling. The Netflix series is shifting gears to tease that Francesca will have a future LGBTQ+ love story.
In the finale, a now-married Francesca is introduced to Michaela and becomes so flustered she forgets her name. Francesca is struck with love at first sight.
Executive producer Jess Brownell told Glamour: “There are also some elements of her story that allow us to make sure we can tell a pretty happy ending for Francesca and Michaela. It was important for me in telling a main queer story for us to be able to give them a happily ever after, as we have with every other couple.”
The change in Michael’s gender has left Bridgerton fans divided on what’s to come in a future season.
“Michael Stirling was my favorite man so I totally get the disappointment of bookish people but the chemistry is there and if they don’t mess up they can make a REALLY GOOD storyline and representation,” said one fan on X/Twitter.
michael stirling was my favorite man so i totally get the disappointment of bookish people but the chemistry is there and if they don’t mess up they can make a REALLY GOOD storyline and representation #bridgerton pic.twitter.com/TBMy2mOlnN
— mel ʕ•̮͡•ʔ (@hcsiequake) June 13, 2024
Another commented, “My only disappointment is that it looks like Francesca falls for Michaela first. The whole point of their story is that Michael(a) loves Francesca from the moment he sees her, not the other way around. Francesca is really none the wiser to it until long after John’s death.”
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Others are not happy with the series changing a major lead character, with one saying, “I hate that they’re doing this! Give us another couple, don’t change the love story of Michael and Francesca. I don’t think I can forgive Bridgerton for this.”
But there’s another reason why fans are less than enthused about the change. In the book, a big part of Francesca’s journey is her struggle to get pregnant and become close to Michael.
“I am really curious how they are going to incorporate the changes and make a good show out of it. I loved that Michael was Francesca’s friend and secret admirer. But it’s reverse here it seems. I have no idea how they are going to spin that. Abortion. Grief. Their story is complex,” said another.
But many fans love the idea of incorporating more LGBTQ+ storylines during a time when same-sex love was a hidden secret.
“I know some people aren’t happy with the Michaela Stirling genderbend but as a queer girl I couldn’t be more thrilled. Thank you thank you thank you Shondaland and Netflix and everyone involved for bringing the sapphic representation I’ve always wanted,” said a gleeful fan.
For now, it’s unclear when Francesca’s storyline will be after Bridgerton Season 3, with Benedict’s spotlight teased as the next big romance.
Bridgerton Season 3 is available to stream on Netflix. You can read more on why fans weren’t too happy with Colin’s brothel scenes, why some found a certain scene cringe, and new series streaming this month.