Fans of the original series that inspired the breakout hit “Bridgerton” TV show on Netflix were shocked in the final minutes of the season 3 finale when the character Michael Stirling was introduced by another name—Michaela—and played by a female actress, a change that sets the show up to include a lesbian love story down the line and pushed the series author to step up and defend the swap.
That cousin, in the books named Michael, was instead introduced as Michaela Stirling and is played by actress Masali Baduza. The swap likely went unnoticed—and seemed inconsequential—by those who have only watched the show, but fans of the books know that Michael Stirling and Francesca go on to fall in love after John Stirling's early death.
With the swap, “Bridgerton” is setting itself up to tell the now-lesbian love story of Francesca and Michaela, a change that sparked such furious online discussion it prompted"Bridgerton" author Julia Quinn to issue a Quinn said she is"deeply committed to the ‘Bridgerton’ world becoming more diverse and inclusive as the stories move from book to screen," and said that, despite some fan “disappointment,” she is confident the season featuring the pair will be the"most emotional and heart-wrenching story of the show."We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to“Thank you to readers and fans for your feedback.