Bridgerton Stars Confess Heartbreaking Death Scene Was Their Favorite to Film
Dearest gentle reader, be warned: this article contains major spoilers for Bridgerton season four part two. The ton has been rocked by a devastating twist, but despite the heartbreak, stars Hannah Dodd and Victor Alli have revealed that filming John's death scene was actually one of their most cherished on-set experiences.
Behind the Scenes of a Tragic Moment
In an interview with Metro, Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca Bridgerton, laughed as she questioned whether fans would be upset to learn that the emotional scene was a highlight for the cast. "Are people gonna be upset if we say [that] scene?" she pondered. For those familiar with the books, the foreshadowing is clear, but for others, it's a tear-jerking surprise.
John's death occurs suddenly, with no warning other than a headache before he lies down, never to wake again. Francesca discovers his body in a heartwrenching moment that Hannah admitted felt "too serious" to film. "I think sometimes, as people, if things get a bit too serious, we go, 'ahh, I can't engage with these big feelings'," she shared.
Lighthearted Moments Amidst Grief
To cope with the heavy emotions, Victor Alli, who portrays John, brought humor to the set. Hannah revealed that he was "jumping up and down on the bed" and "doing forward rolls" between takes. She praised his "incredible work" in lying still for most of the scene, noting his playful energy behind the camera. "He stood behind the camera whispering at me to cry while filming my close-ups," she laughed. Victor teased, "Come on, the man's just died, cry!" adding that they "got a bit silly" that day.
Despite the antics, the actors managed to deliver a powerful performance, capturing Francesca's devastation at the sudden loss. The Earl of Kilmartin, who married Francesca in season three, represented a quieter, more nuanced love compared to her siblings' passionate romances.
Reflections on Love and Loss
Victor also highlighted their wedding scene as a favorite, describing it as "really, really lovely." He acknowledged knowing about John's fate from the books before his audition but chose to focus on the character's life. "I went in and kind of had to forget it," he explained. "It's part of life, and I think it's good that they show the realities of these things."
Co-star Masali Baduza, who plays John's cousin Michaela, shared that her character had "lost her other half" and expressed how much the cast will miss Victor. Hannah added praise for his portrayal: "He's created a character that's in like, 10 pages of the book. He's given absolute life and brought so much to the show."
Fan Reactions and Themes of Love
Fans have echoed the cast's sentiments, taking to social media to mourn John's death. One viewer wrote, "I've never sobbed at Bridgerton the way I'm sobbing at John's funeral like I'm actually there." Another noted, "The last moment of John's life, he saw Michaela and Francesca happy and united, it was what he wished."
The actors emphasized the genuine love in John and Francesca's relationship, despite its quieter nature. Victor said, "Love is such a broad thing, and it's different for everyone... In our case, it's not as flamboyant and big and huge and intense, but that's okay." Hannah agreed, hoping audiences appreciate diverse portrayals of love. "What's really nice about the show is that we celebrate all kinds of love, regardless of what that looks like."
Bridgerton's latest season is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers more of the drama and romance that has captivated fans worldwide.
