> At a Glance
> – Luke Thompson steps into the spotlight as Benedict Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 4
> – Newcomer Yerin Ha joins as Sophie, sparking a masquerade-ball romance
> – Part 1 streams January 29, Part 2 drops February 26
> – Why it matters: Fans get a fresh love story and a new leading-man energy that sets the season apart
Luke Thompson is no longer watching from the sidelines. After three seasons, the 37-year-old actor takes center stage in Bridgerton season 4, guiding the Ton’s next romance alongside debutante Yerin Ha.
How Past Leads Influenced Thompson
Thompson studied his predecessors but chose not to copy them.
> “Everyone did things their own way,” Thompson told Vanity Fair France. “For example, I was struck by how seriously Regé-Jean Page took his role, even though the series is also light entertainment.”
He also praised Jonathan Bailey‘s high-octane presence.
> “As the lead actor, you have a bit more influence on the atmosphere on set, and he brought a positive energy,” Thompson said of Bailey. “It was quite impressive.”
Of Luke Newton, he noted:
> “He has a real sensitivity. He’s a bit reserved, doesn’t talk much, and is careful not to disrupt the crew’s concentration.”
Going Solo
Despite the temptation to seek advice, Thompson opted for self-discovery.
> “I was tempted, and then I thought, no, I’m just gonna find out myself – how I want, how I feel, how it feels to me,” he told News Of Los Angeles.
> “I think there could be an amazing book written about how everyone’s done it because it’s so personal. And it says so much about that person.”
Yerin Ha, 27, followed the same instinct.
> “I kind of wanted to just feel this journey for myself and kind of figure out the wars on my own,” Ha said.
She did receive one consistent message from alumnae Phoebe Dynevor, Simone Ashley, and Nicola Coughlan:
- “If you want advice, please reach out.”
- “Don’t get too scared. The fans are amazing.”
Key Takeaways
- Luke Thompson headlines season 4, bringing his own flavor after watching Page, Bailey, and Newton
- Yerin Ha debuts as Sophie, keeping predecessor advice in her back pocket
- The split-season release starts January 29 and concludes February 26**
Expect a fresh dose of Regency romance when Bridgerton returns with its newest leading man at the helm.
