Francesca’s season of Bridgerton will look a little different than Julia Quinn‘s book after a gender swap twist — but which steamy moments should still be brought to life between her and Michaela?
Based on Quinn’s book series, Bridgerton centers around members of the wealthy Bridgerton family as they search for love in 19th century London. When He Was Wicked followed Francesca (Hannah Dodd) after her marriage to John (Victor Alli) was cut short by his death. Francesca met her match with John’s cousin — except Michael got swapped for Michaela (Masali Baduza).
“The first time I read When He Was Wicked I really related to it as a queer woman,” showrunner Jess Brownell told Vanity Fair in 2024 about the change. “Her story is in some ways about feeling different. In Julia Quinn’s book, it really has more to do with her being introverted. But for many of us in the queer community, that sense of feeling different from a young age is part of our stories. So I felt like there was already thematic richness in her book to mine for her story.”
The actors also spoke out after some fans criticized the change.
“I understand that the Bridgerton book fans are very passionate about these characters, and I am too,” Baduza told Refinery29 Australia in February 2026, noting how “proud” she is to tell a queer story on screen.
Baduza noted that “everyone’s story deserves to be told,” adding, “I love Michaela so much, and I am just very proud to tell the story alongside Hannah. In Bridgerton, a lot of the characters are growing into themselves and learning new things about themselves.”
She continued: “I think that the show accepts that, I think it’s important for everyone else to accept that too, and hopefully that can be reflected back into society.”
Dodd also pointed out that Quinn’s book When He Was Wicked is still there for fans who miss Michael.
“The book will always exist as well, [but] I’m really, really excited to tell this story and also give it the platform it deserves, like a leading story line, not additional characters,” Dodd told the outlet, with Baduza saying, “Everyone deserves to be represented. I think we’re excited to see these stories get told.”
Keep scrolling to see which When He Was Wicked book moments we’re hoping to see brought to life in season 5:
Their 1st Kiss
The couple’s first kiss would come after Francesca thinks Michaela is angry with her for trying to get married again. After an argument, Francesca and Michaela kiss but the Bridgerton sibling pulls back and leaves for Scotland.
Making a Move
Michaela ultimately will go after Francesca but won’t mention her feelings — yet. Instead, Michaela will try to seduce her … to steamy results. The fictional couple will have sex, which later will cause Francesca to feel guilty.
The Morning After
Francesca will try to run away again after her first time with Michaela but then a storm breaks out. She will have to hide out — with Michaela — so they end up at an unoccupied gardener’s cabin. Things get heated again but this time Francesca will take control.
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