Fans of Bridgerton may want to prepare for an emotional ending to season 4. Author Julia Quinn has suggested that the second half of the upcoming season could include moments that leave viewers reaching for tissues fueling speculation about a possible major character death.
“I can just say, get your tissues ready, because it’s rough,” Quinn said in a recent interview. “When I visited the set, they were filming scenes and I saw a scene that was at the same time incredibly joyful and just heart wrenching so, yeah, you’re gonna need tissues for part 2.”
The comments have intensified fan theories that season 4 may include a funeral scene. Speculation gained traction after a teaser showed Violet Bridgerton dressed in black, prompting viewers to wonder whether the show is setting up a significant death. While no character has been confirmed, longtime readers of the books have identified two possible storylines that could be adapted for the series.
In the novels, Eloise’s romance with Phillip Crane begins following the death of Marina, suggesting that Marina’s fate could potentially be revisited onscreen. Another possibility lies in Francesca’s storyline, as her book arc centers on finding love again after the death of her husband, John. The Netflix series has already begun laying groundwork for this narrative by introducing Michaela in place of Michael at the end of season 3.
Quinn acknowledged how emotionally difficult certain story developments can be, particularly when the show deepens characters who were more lightly sketched in the novels. Reflecting on the introduction of John in the previous season, she admitted: “I just remember when they introduced John last season, and he was so awesome. I was just like, ‘Oh.’ Because in the books, you don’t get to know him as well as the show. And I was like, ‘You’re just making it so much worse,’” adding, “He’s so wonderful.”
Beyond potential tragedy, the first half of season 4 has already sparked debate among fans, particularly around Benedict Bridgerton’s romance with Sophie. Their storyline opens with a fairy-tale-style meeting, but social class differences complicate their relationship. Benedict’s proposal that Sophie become his mistress has divided viewers, prompting Quinn to emphasize the historical context behind the controversial moment.
“It wasn’t so much a scene,” she explained, “It’s just saying, ‘You have to make sure that viewers understand how unprecedented it would be for him to offer her marriage.’” Quinn added that this context is crucial, because without it, the storyline could be misinterpreted: “You have to make sure they understand this, because it’s going to seem really awful.”
The author also defended the emotional and moral complexity of her characters, noting that imperfect decisions are part of their journeys. “I mean, the characters do — I don’t know if I call them stupid things — but they don’t always make the right choice right away,” she said. “I don’t want to have perfect people. I want them to grow and learn.”
Outside of the series itself, Quinn is expanding her influence in the romance genre with the launch of her JQ Editions, a curated recommendation line designed to guide readers looking for historical romance beyond Bridgerton. “This is me saying, ‘This is the one you should read and I’m mailing it to your house,’” she said of the project.
She is also collaborating with Spotify to promote the platform’s Page Match feature, which syncs physical and digital books with audiobooks. “My jaw dropped,” Quinn said upon seeing the feature, praising its ability to let readers seamlessly switch between reading and listening.
Bridgerton season 4 part 1 is currently streaming on Netflix, with part 2 set to arrive on February 26.
Source: US Weekly