Bridgerton Season 4 Introduces Fan-Favourite Sophie Baek
The highly anticipated fourth season of Bridgerton has arrived on Netflix, captivating audiences with the long-awaited debut of Sophie Beckett, known as Sophie Baek in the television adaptation. This season draws its inspiration from Julia Quinn's third novel in the series, An Offer from a Gentleman, shifting the spotlight to Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson.
A Cinderella-Style Romance Unfolds
After witnessing his siblings find love in previous seasons, Benedict's own romantic journey begins at his mother's lavish masquerade ball. There, he encounters a mysterious woman adorned in silver, with whom he shares a fleeting yet flirtatious moment. As she hastily departs, Benedict is left intrigued and determined to uncover her identity, setting the stage for a classic Cinderella-inspired love story that has enchanted fans for years.
Who Is Sophie Baek in the Bridgerton Universe?
In Julia Quinn's original book series, Sophie Beckett is the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Penwood and his maid, who tragically passes away during childbirth. Raised by her father from the age of ten, Sophie spends much of her childhood among the household staff. Her life takes a dramatic turn following her father's death, when she is placed under the care of her resentful stepmother, Araminta.
Forced into servitude as a maid, Sophie earns the affection and loyalty of the staff, who later conspire to help her attend the masquerade ball where she meets Benedict. Readers have long adored Sophie for her resilience and strength in the face of adversity, making her a beloved character in the Bridgerton saga.
The Actress Behind Sophie Baek: Yerin Ha
Bringing Sophie to life is 28-year-old Australian actress Yerin Ha, who has South Korean heritage. Prior to her role in Bridgerton, Yerin appeared in Netflix's The Survivors and the Australian drama Bad Behaviour. Her casting as Sophie marks a significant milestone in her career, with the show's producers making key adjustments to the character, including changing Sophie's surname to Baek to reflect Yerin's Korean background.
In an interview with The Big Issue ahead of the season four premiere, Yerin expressed her appreciation for the role's inclusive representation. She remarked, "What I think is so nice about playing Sophie is that it’s not a South Korean show. Sophie is just Sophie. It is just about the human experience and what it means to want to be loved and feel deserving of love."
Yerin further highlighted the significance of her casting, noting, "It is about Benedict wanting to find someone and settle down. And because of Sophie, we’ve also been able to bring a whole family of Asian actresses. It is a breath of fresh air for me."
Fan Reactions and Season Details
On the Bridgerton Reddit page, fans have enthusiastically shared their admiration for Sophie's character. One enthusiast commented, "I'm reading the books in order and I'm on the third one with Benedict's story. Am I the only one loving Sophie's character so much? It's about a Bridgerton son but she totally stole the book in my opinion." Another fan echoed this sentiment, stating, "I just finished the third book and I absolutely love her! Favourite character so far."
Bridgerton Season 4 part one is currently available for streaming on Netflix, with part two scheduled for release on February 26, continuing the romantic escapades of the ton.
