'Bridgerton' Author Supports Show's Promised Queer Romance

"Bridgerton" showrunner Jess Brownell's promise of a queer romance seems poised to come to pass, though angry fans of the novels are already protesting. The author of those novels has given her blessing.

Though the same-sex sparks were teased before the show's third season premiered, it seems that the payoff won't happen until Season 4, HuffPost noted.

"In the Season 3 finale of Netflix's bodice-ripping period drama, viewers were introduced to Michaela Stirling (played by Masali Baduza), who appears poised to become a love interest for Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd)," the outlet detailed.

Though the table is set for the promise of lesbian love, some fans are biting back, unhappy that Francesca's story is veering away from the plot of the novels, which had her marrying a man named Michael after being widowed, HuffPost noted.

One person who doesn't have a problem with the gender-flip and revised storyline, though, is the author of those very same novels, Julia Quinn.

Taking to Instagram, Quinn sought to soothe ruffled satin. She expressed her support for the changes, HuffPost relayed.

"Many Bridgerton fans have expressed their surprise, and for some, disappointment in the twist at the end of Bridgerton Season 3 -- that Michael Stirling... would instead be Michaela," Quinn posted.

Quinn went on to suggest that she had initially had misgivings about the switch.

"Anyone who has seen an interview with me from the past four years knows that I am deeply committed to the Bridgerton world becoming more diverse and inclusive as the stories move from book to screen. But switching the gender of a major character is a huge change," Quinn wrote, "and so when Jess Brownell first approached me with the idea of turning Michael into Michaela for the show, I needed more information before conferring my agreement."

Evidently, Brownell made a compelling case.

"Im confident now that when Francesca has her Bridgerton season, it will be the most emotional and heart-wrenching story of the show," Quinn added, referencing the novel in which original character Michael was featured as having been "the true tear-jerker of the Bridgerton book series."

"Honestly, it may pack even more of a punch," Quinn added.

Outraged fans continued to vent in the post's comments section, though.

"This takes away from so many women struggling with death, grief and infertility," one fan posted. "You could have done so many beautiful things with her character to represent so many issues women suffer in silence with. And this is what you choose? It's not the right choice. It's disappointing! 💔"

Wrote another: "I'm queer and I like that they want to give the LGBTQ+ community representation BUT they should create new characters to give them that storyline, NOT CHANGE a major character that is loved by everyone in the fandom."

"Those of us who have had miscarriages and struggled with infertility had Francesca to relate to and see ourselves in. You have taken all of that away," echoed a third, while another railed, "You have completely SOLD OUT as a writer. You're allowing them to completely butcher your work."

But there was the occasional comment voicing approval and excitement for the show's departure from the novels.

"I love this new development!" one person enthused. "As someone who reads a lot of historical romance, I find the Michael Rake character a bit stale, but Mikaela will bring much-needed depth to the story."

"If some people don't like the changes, they should stick to the books for this season," the fan added. "Sorry, not sorry. I can't understand why people are so upset."

Several of those who posted vowed to boycott the show's fourth season and beyond. Will you be tuning in?