*Spoiler Alert: Contains spoilers from Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 and the Julia Quinn book When He Was Wicked*
After much anticipation and excitement, Bridgerton Season 3, well the first part, has finally premiered on Netflix! With three love stories unfolding, the initial four episodes have certainly “sparkled.” Francesca, the Bridgerton debutante to the marriage mart this season, embarks on a unique love story that book fans will undoubtedly recognize.
However, for those who haven’t delved into the books, Francesca’s discomfort amidst society’s chaos hinted at something more! Fans on X are now speculating that after the show teasing about Benedict’s sexuality, this Shondaland production project might also portray Francesca to be not straight!
Fan Theory: Is Francesca Bridgerton Hiding a Secret?
Francesca, now played by Hannah Dodd, made her debut in Bridgerton Season 3, facing the daunting task of finding a husband solely to escape the watchful eyes of society’s “mamas” and all the unwanted attention she has been receiving for being this season’s incomparable.
Fans who have already read Julia Quinn’s book When He Was Wicked will know that this Bridgerton lady will have two love stories to navigate. According to the books, she first marries John Stirling, who has already been introduced in the first half of the season consisting of four episodes. Francesca loves him, however, he tragically dies two years into the marriage, and his cousin Michael becomes her main love interest.
All seven of the Bridgerton siblings have their own unique traits, and Francesca is certainly distinctive in her own way. Though skilled, talented, and charming like the rest of her siblings, she sometimes feels like an outcast. For all she desires is, silence, peace, and quiet, which truth be told is a rarity in the bustling household of the Bridgerton estate.
In this season, while she entertains a few suitors, she doesn’t form any connection. Though she makes her intentions of finding a husband clear, it’s more to evade the watchful eyes thrust upon her than out of love. Thus, some fans interpret her introverted discomfort as an indication of Francesca being closeted. This was the initial reaction of some fans after watching the first half of the show, so much so that this matter is somehow trending on social media platforms, particularly on X.
My conspiracy theory is that Francesca is gay or got a man back in Bath #BRIDGERTON pic.twitter.com/o9gGHWchW6
— 🖤 (@lfm1708) May 16, 2024
now why tf did i think Francesca was gay #BRIDGERTON pic.twitter.com/5ONZrwMrct
— praps (@hosiecies) May 16, 2024
Maybe it’s just I think everybody is gay but is Francesca fruity 🤨 #BRIDGERTON pic.twitter.com/OYD2DcO2xF
— cowboy tori 🫶🏾 (@torijoy09) May 16, 2024
did they make francesca gay on bridgerton??? or am i just reading into things? pls tell me if you got the same vibes
— abi ミ☆ (@swiftmidnightz) May 16, 2024
Francesca Bridgerton is gay u heard it here folks
— ish (@jimitonin_) May 16, 2024
No matter how hilarious that might sound to the book fans, they can’t deny that the series left room for much misunderstanding in the first place. Now that the four episodes have been gobbled up by the fans they can’t wait for June 13th to arrive any sooner!
What Does Francesca’s Future Hold in Bridgerton Season 3 Part 2?
Although it cannot be surely said what will happen with Francesca ahead in the season, it’s clear that despite Lord Samadani’s abundant attention, who has come to London at the request of Queen Charlotte herself, believing he would be the perfect match for Francesca. However, Lord Kilmartin, John Sterling, has stolen moments from Francesca and has managed to charm her so far in the season.
Although not much with words, their shared love for silence and his grand gesture of changing the pace of a tune they heard earlier just as Francesca imagined may indicate that this Bridgerton girl is closer to securing her match.
Although it’s uncertain whether Francesca will marry in this season, which primarily focuses on Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, with more pressing matters at hand about to unfold in the upcoming episodes, her love story might be somewhat sidelined. However, much cannot be said for now, fans will have to wait to find out how Francesca truly concludes her journey this season. But could the Netflix show steer away from the already-known narratives of the books? Only time will tell!
The response to the show has been overwhelmingly positive so far, with fans swooning over Colin and Penelope’s glow-ups. It delivers everything they’ve been eagerly anticipating for years, fulfilling their desires and expectations in every aspect.
Bridgerton Season 3 is currently streaming on Netflix, whereas, Part 2 will arrive on June 13th.