Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 2, episode 8 A new glimpse at Bridgerton season 4 has revealed the return of the key players of the next chapter of Netflix’s hit period drama, alongside new additions to the show. The drama is set in the Regency period of English history, focusing on the romantic trials and tribulations of the titular family from Julia Quinn’s series of romantic drama novels. Bridgerton season 4 is set to turn its attention to Luke Thompson’s Benedict Bridgerton, who after a three-season journey of self-discovery is set to meet a stranger who captures his heart during a masked ball.

The Bridgerton Instagram reveals the cast of season 4 came together for the first time for a table read. Thompson was joined in the first of several photos by Yerin Ha, with the Halo star set to portray Sophie Baek, a young woman with a troubled past. They are joined by Ruth Gemmell, Adjoa Andoh, Hannah Dodd, Florence Hunt, Polly Walker, Martins Imhange, Victor Alli, and Hugh Sachs, who will reprise their roles. Arcane and Harry Potter star Katie Leung and Isabella Wei were also present, with the pair set to play new characters Lady Araminta Gun and Posy Li.

What Bridgerton Season 4’s Cast’s First Photos Mean For The New Season

Season 4 May Also Feature Another Far More Tragic Tale Unfolding

Anthony Bridgerton and Benedict Bridgerton with mocking laughter aboard their carriage in Bridgerton season 3 trailer Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) & Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) In Bridgerton Season 2, Episode 2, "Off To The Races" Francesca and John holding hands as they are married Francesca Bridgerton meets Michaela Stirling in season 3 finale Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) looking at Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli) lovingly as they walk through the park in Bridgerton season 3 episode 5 Anthony Bridgerton and Benedict Bridgerton with mocking laughter aboard their carriage in Bridgerton season 3 trailer Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) & Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) In Bridgerton Season 2, Episode 2, "Off To The Races" Francesca and John holding hands as they are married Francesca Bridgerton meets Michaela Stirling in season 3 finale Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) looking at Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli) lovingly as they walk through the park in Bridgerton season 3 episode 5

While most of Bridgerton season 4’s cast reunited for the table read, there are still several stars confirmed for the series who weren’t present. Michelle Mao is set to play Posy Li’s sister and Lady Araminta’s eldest daughter Rosamund. Jonathan Bailey is also confirmed to be returning as Anthony Bridgerton alongside Simone Ashley as his wife Kate Sharma.

Though season 4 is set to adapt Benedict and Sophie’s tale from An Offer From A Gentleman, Dodd and Imhange’s presence does hint towards another underlying tale. In the closing episode of Bridgerton season 3, Francesca Bridgerton (Dodd) was introduced by her new husband John Stirling (Imhange) to his cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduze), an adaptation of Francesca’s love interest Michael Stirling from When He Was Wicked. While Baduze isn’t confirmed to return just yet, season 4 could explore Francesca and Michael’s marriage, building until the tragic turn that leads into the events of When He Was Wicked for future seasons.

Our Thoughts On Bridgerton Season 4’s Early Cast Photos

The New Season Will Explore A Regency Twist On A Classic Romance Tale

Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Wil Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 3's stills Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) drinking the night before his wedding, accompanied by his brother Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) in Bridgerton season 3 episode 7 Bridgerton Benedict and Henry Granville Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 2 Benedict sitting on a swing in Bridgerton. in B Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Wil Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 3's stills Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) drinking the night before his wedding, accompanied by his brother Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) in Bridgerton season 3 episode 7 Bridgerton Benedict and Henry Granville Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 2 Benedict sitting on a swing in Bridgerton. in B

With a suggested two-year gap for production between seasons, it will still be some time until audiences witness Benedict and Sophie’s romance on-screen. Nevertheless, after the television series has slowly built up Benedict’s journey for several seasons ahead of him taking the spotlight, many will be excited to see the cast unite for his season’s table read.

Throughout his past season’s arc, Benedict has been on an exploration to see just what love is, and how it surpasses all societal expectations of the time, lessons that will help inform his own Cinderella-esque romance with the mysterious Sophie and her tragic past. While past seasons have offered marriages of convenience, enemies to lovers, and childhood crushes blossoming into romance, Bridgerton season 4 is set to explore another beloved romance archetype.