The Duke's (Regé-Jean Page) departure has left Bridgerton fans feeling unsure about the future of the series, but the Shondaland production had added new cast members who are sure to change things up a bit.
As revealed, season 2 will follow Lord Anthony Bridgerton's endeavor at finding himself a Viscountess. Based on Julia Quinn's regency-romance novels, the season is adapted from The Viscount Who Loved Me, the second in the series.
Meet The New Cast Members!
Simone Ashley will play Kate Sharma (original Sheffield), a smart, headstrong young woman who arrives in London at the agreeable age of 20. The casting was an attempt at bringing more diversity to the series, and the efforts have continued with the addition of new cast members.
New actors in season 2 include Charithra Chandran who will play Edwina Sharma, the new diamond of the water who captures the attention of the Viscount. She is Kate's younger, beautiful sister who refuses to settle down and get married unless her sister approves.
English actor Shelley Conn will play Mary Sharma. In the books, it is revealed that Mary is Edwina's mother, and Kate's stepmother since she was 3 years old... but the series appears to have changed that detail.
Fans are excited about the diverse casting, and are cheering Bridgerton for being inclusive and mindful of representation.
@neenaqueen20 said "Soooooo excited! An Indian female getting a lead. Let’s go Bridgerton!!"
@jessby shared "Can't wait to see Edwina.. Hopefully she will be so vibrant just like the book portrays her."
@korrakyle added "so excited to see the sharmas on screen!! their mother-daughters relationship is so beautiful in the book i can't wait!"
Other cast members include Derry Girls star Calam Lynch is set to play Theo Sharpe, and Merlin actor Rupert Young will play Jack; a new character created for the series.
Fans were upset about Season 1 breakout-star Regé-Jean Page leaving the series, so a fan clarified: "Simon is non existent in the books beyond season one. Like barely mentioned. And these people here are vital for what will be the best season so far. Be happy for Regé because he's pursuing bigger roles!"
As revealed previously, the Sharma family has been "'conceived by the series' producing team as being of Indian descent in a continuation of the reimagined, multi-racial world of 1880s London’s high society created in Season 1".