Chris Fulton originated the role of Phillip Crane on Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton, but fans have since questioned his future on the show.
The character of Phillip Crane was introduced in season 1 when Marina’s (Ruby Barker) secret pregnancy played a big role on the show. She ended up accepting Phillip’s proposal after his brother George impregnated Marina before his death.
Fulton was brought back briefly in season 2 but has since remained off screen. As fans of Julia Quinn‘s books know, To Sir Phillip, With Love is the fifth book of the Bridgerton series, which follows Phillip’s love story with Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie).
While the expectation is for Eloise to get her own season, Fulton’s absence has made some wonder if the show could make a change. (Bridgerton previously recast Hannah Dodd as Francesca despite Ruby Stokes originating the role.)
Showrunner Jess Brownell hasn’t weighed in on the recasting concerns but confirmed in January 2026 that Eloise and Phillip or Francesca and Michaela (Masali Baduza) are next in line. She also clarified that Phillip will be part of the show again, telling Swooon, “I think we are interested in honoring the love interest from Eloise’s book. I can dispel, she’s not ending up with Theo. She’s ending up with the love interest from her book.”
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Fulton before his potential return to Bridgerton:
When Did Chris Fulton Originally Appear on ‘Bridgerton’?
Season 1 introduced Marina’s story as she spent time with the Featheringtons, which is when she realized she was pregnant. Marina tried to contact the father — to no avail — until Phillip Crane arrived and revealed his brother died. Phillip offered to look after Marina and his brother’s kids by marrying her.
By the time Colin (Luke Newton) visited Marina in season 2, she was Phillip’s wife and they resided in the countryside. Marina, however, didn’t seem happy and made it clear that she married Phillip for the sake of her kids.
What Has Chris Fulton Worked on Outside of ‘Bridgerton’?
Chris Fulton has appeared on Clique, Endeavour, Succession, The Witcher, The Lazarus Project and Outlander. On the big screen, Fulton has worked on Outlaw King, Our Ladies and Falling Into Place.
Are There Plans to Bring Chris Fulton Back as Phillip Crane?
When asked by Us in February 2026 whether Chris Fulton — who appeared in seasons 1 and 2 — would reprise his role or if a new actor would be brought in, author Julia Quinn noted that she doesn’t know the plan after changes have been made in other adaptations.
“I don’t necessarily know how they’re gonna spin it or write it or what they’re going to keep and change,” Quinn said while teasing Eloise’s upcoming season of the hit Netflix series.
Quinn added that she’s excited to see her novel To Sir Phillip, With Love come to life.
“I love her story,” she added about Eloise’s romance with Phillip. “He’s got two kids who she has got to wrangle, which is awesome. The fact that Eloise is going to have an instant family is awesome. His twins are pretty ruthless to her so I hope they keep stuff like that in.”
Why Do Fans Think Chris Fulton Is Coming Back to ‘Bridgerton’?
Despite not filming any episodes of Bridgerton since 2021, Fulton has continued to attend conventions and events dedicated to the Regency series.
Where Is Phillip Crane’s Story Going on ‘Bridgerton’?
Spoiler alert for those who haven’t read Julia Quinn’s book series, Eloise got in contact with Phillip after Marina’s death. They corresponded for a while before Eloise ran away from home … and ended up visiting Phillip.
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