Bridgerton bosses boost the budget for series four as they recreate Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent in Surrey – after its two lead stars were revealed
Bridgerton bosses have pulled out all the stops for the long-awaited fourth season, reviving one of the series’ biggest milestones at a west London studio.
In previous years, scenes in the series have been filmed at famous landmarks, such as the iconic Royal Crescent in Bath. However, for the new episodes, a huge replica of the landmark has been built at Shepperton Studios in Surrey.
Sources also claim that it is hoped that the use of sets will make filming a lot easier, as it removes logistical issues such as closing off key locations for production.
It is also hoped that the use of sets will attract more A-list stars to join the cast, with bosses reportedly providing the same financial backing as they did for big-budget costume series The Crown.
A source said The sun: ‘This is a huge investment for Bridgerton, which is currently filming its fourth season.
Bridgerton bosses have pulled out all the stops for the highly anticipated fourth season, recreating Bath’s famous Royal Crescent in a west London studio
A huge replica of the monument (left) has been built at Shepperton Studios in Surrey for the new episodes, with the crescent moon (right) being a regular feature in the first three seasons of the series.
Last week, Netflix confirmed that production had begun on Bridgerton’s fourth season, which will focus on the romantic adventures of second son Benedict
The fact that they spent millions on the new set suggests there will be many more seasons of this Netflix drama.
“It’s a similar commitment to when the streamer made The Crown, which built landmarks like Downing Street and Buckingham Palace. And that Netflix period drama ran for six seasons.”
Aerial footage of the new set shows the erection of a life-size replica of the famous Royal Crescent, which will be used as the backdrop for Featherington’s home in the series.
The new set also features Madame Delacroix’s shop, plus several other streets and buildings that will look familiar to fans.
Last week, Netflix confirmed that production on Bridgerton season four is well underway, with the news that Emma Naomi (Alice Mondrich) and Hugh Sachs (Brimsley) will be joining the main cast for this season.
The new series focuses on Bridgerton’s second son, Benedict (Luke Thompson), and his quest to find the enchanting Lady in Silver, Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).
Sophie has worked as a cleaner for much of her life for the city’s most demanding employer.
But the resourceful girl always finds a way to persevere in her circumstances, which will change drastically after she disguises herself to attend Violet Bridgerton’s masked ball.
Sources have also claimed that it is hoped that using sets will make filming much easier as it removes logistical issues such as closing off key locations for production.
It is also hoped that the use of sets will attract more A-list stars to join the cast, with bosses reportedly providing the same financial backing as they did for big-budget drama The Crown.
A source said: ‘This is a huge investment for Bridgerton, which is currently filming its fourth season’
The insider added: ‘It’s a similar dedication to when the streamer made The Crown, which saw landmarks like Downing Street and Buckingham Palace built.’
Aerial photographs of the new set show how a life-size replica of the famous Royal Crescent was erected
The new set also features Madame Delacroix’s shop, plus several other streets and buildings that will be familiar to fans
The new series will focus on the second Bridgerton son, Benedict (Luke Thompson) and his quest to find the enchanting Lady in Silver, Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha)
Despite his older and younger brothers being happily married, Benedict is reluctant to settle down. Until he meets a bewitching Lady in Silver at the ball. He doesn’t know it’s Sophie.
Yerin is a Korean actress from Australia and revealed her The character Sophie Baek was given a Korean surname out of respect for the actresses’ culture.
The character’s name in the original Julia Quinn book series is Sophie Beckett.
She said of the decision: ‘A name is the first piece of identity you share with the world, and that’s why changing a name can be so powerful.
“To have Sophie’s name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering. All credit goes to Jess Brownell, our showrunner.
“It’s a really nice way for me to feel like the role is right for me, rather than having to fit into a certain mold. It’s amazing what it can do, just psychologically. So it means a lot that Jess has done that for me.”
After being promised the “steamiest season yet,” Bridgerton fans were left somewhat disappointed by the lack of Regency adventures in part one of season three
Still, the show’s bosses have more than delivered with part two of the costume drama, with episode five of the series featuring a six-minute sex scene
When Netflix announced the news, it released a teaser trailer showing Sophie browsing through costumes for the ball.
Yerin landed her breakthrough role as Kwan Ha in the science fiction series Halo two years ago.
Before taking on the lead role this season, Luke said of his character, “Benedict has always been a little bit lost — or free, depending on how you want to look at it. But now he’s trying to find something more solid within himself.”
Creator Shonda Rhymes added: “He’s a charming man who’s trying to find his way. He’s very delightful and funny. I’m looking forward to everyone seeing him.”
Netflix also released a short video announcing Luke’s acceptance of Benedict’s important future.
He is shown opening a door and being handed a suit to wear to a masked ball, hinting at where his journey in the series begins.
It has not yet been announced when production on season four will begin.
After being promised that it would be “the most exciting season yet,” Bridgerton fans were left somewhat disappointed by the lack of Regency acts in the early part of season three.
Still, the show’s bosses have more than delivered with the second instalment of the costume drama, with the fifth episode featuring a six-minute sex scene between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).