One of Bridgerton's most important stars may not appear in season 3 after all. Based on the book series by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton became Netflix's sensational historical drama in the last two years, and anticipation has arisen for the upcoming season 3. Its immense popularity sparked in season 1, where the romance between Duke of Hastings Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page) and Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) laid the precedent for how subsequent seasons will follow each Bridgerton sibling. Its diverse casting became a major appeal, earning praise for transforming the period romance genre. While Page did not return in season 2, Dynevor did but in a more supporting role. While season 3 will see most Bridgerton cast members return, including Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton, it appears there is some bad news for Dynevor's screentime as Daphne.
In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant on the red carpet at the Sundance Film Festival, Dynevor revealed that she and her character Daphne Basset may be absent from Bridgerton season 3.
When Dynevor was asked this specific question, "Are there any exciting dynamics coming up for Daphne in Bridgerton season 3?," the actor disclosed that there wouldn't be any for her character. However, she remains hopeful that future seasons could see more of Daphne. Read her full quote below:
"Sadly not in season 3. Potentially in the future. But season 3, I'm just excited to watch as a viewer."
Is Phoebe Dynevor Really Not In Bridgerton Season 3?
Phoebe Dynevor's presence in Bridgerton season 3 has been speculated since its production started last summer. Since each Bridgerton season will focus on one main love story (following in the same footsteps from the books), season 2's spotlight shifted from Daphne to Viscount Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey). However, Daphne did stick around in season 2 as a spectator when dealing with Anthony's search for a wife. With Bridgerton's formula continuing in season 3 with Colin Bridgerton's (Luke Newton) romance with Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), there were concerns about Dynevor's role in the upcoming season. Previously, new showrunner Jess Brownell said that the show wants to keep tabs on all the Bridgerton siblings, including Daphne.
Brownell will replace Chris Van Dusen for seasons 3 and 4 as the series showrunner. Despite this change in leadership, Brownell said that the moments when the whole family is together are what make Bridgerton what it has become, so Daphne, Anthony, and Kate were expected to appear to some degree. She stopped short of specifying how much screen time the characters would get, so her comments not lining up with Dynevor's interview answer might be a semantics issue. While Daphne might not have a recurring presence in Bridgerton season 3, it's possible that she can appear in the background of a shot or two. It's also possible that her voice is heard in the season, but she doesn't physically appear on the screen.
What Daphne's Reduced Role Means For Bridgerton Season 3
Though this Bridgerton season 3 update is disappointing, it's not entirely surprising. After being season 1's central focus, Daphne didn't have a substantial role in season 2. Now that season 3 is approaching, it makes sense that she will have less of an impact on the show's story the further away it gets from her particular season. Season 3 will focus on Colin and Penelope, so Daphne does not have a close association with their relationship. However, Eloise is likely to have a larger role, given her friendship with Penelope, which was tarnished by the season 2 finale. That said, for the sake of continuity and familiarity, Dynevor returning to play Daphne should happen in spurts in the show's future. In her Screen Rant interview, she said that she would be open to returning for future seasons, but Phoebe Dynevor will watch Bridgerton season 3 from afar just like everyone else.