Michaela Stirling star not “playing a queer quality”

Actress Masali Baduza reflects on her participation in Tong as Michaela Starling. bridgertonThe only LGBTQ+ character.

Michaela Starling, who first appeared in Season 3 in 2024, has been promoted to the main cast for Season 4 and has already been making a lot of noise.

Introduced as Lord John Stirling’s (Victor Ali) cousin, Michaela Stirling is keen to spice things up. She’s the quintessential rake, bringing charisma and a touch of chaos to the show’s elegant proceedings. After meeting John’s wife Francesca (Hannah Dodd), it’s clear the two have a spark.

in bridgerton Julia Quinn’s book Michaela is Michael. There are no spoilers here, but something happens that brings Francesca and Michael closer and closer together.

In the Netflix version, Michael’s gender was swapped and Baduza played a major role. When the gender-swapped role was announced, it caused quite a stir and yawn-inducing outrage online, with some fans bemoaning the fact that Francesca might soon start a strange romance with Michaela.

Although the relationship was never fully realized in season 4, the stage seemed to be set by the finale. bridgerton Season 5 will feature the show’s first explicitly LGBTQ+ romance between its main characters.

talk to subway But recently, Sterling said that while she’s “excited” to see how the romance plays out, she doesn’t necessarily feel like she’s “playing into a queer nature” when embodying Michaela.

Baduza said that while she “loves” to buy into the typical male rake stereotype, Michaela Sterling is “just who she is.”

“They are who they are,” Baduza said of Michaela and Francesca. “I don’t necessarily think she’s playing a strange quality. I think she’s who she is.”

But she added, “I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes.” [their relationship] I’m going.”

“I couldn’t accept it. [at the time]. It’s still hard to accept, but I feel like we’re living in this fantasy world. bridgertonAnd everyone has the right to be happy forever,” she added.

Dodd agreed that it’s “really great” to be able to bring more LGBTQ+ representation to the world. bridgertonwhich follows Benedict Bridgerton, who identifies as pansexual, according to actor Luke Thompson.

talk to refinery 29Baduza explained that she is “proud” of the queerness of Michaela and Francesca’s romance through her role on the show. bridgerton A book purist might say:

“I understand that bridgerton Fans of the books are very passionate about these characters, and I am as well. I love Michaela so much and I’m so proud to be able to tell this story with Hannah,” Baduza said.

“I think everyone’s story should be told, bridgertonmany of the characters grow into themselves and learn new things about themselves. I think the show embraces that, and I think it’s important for everyone else to embrace that, too, and hopefully that’s reflected in society. ”

She once again said she was “excited” to see this story told in future seasons, adding that “everyone deserves to be represented.”

bridgerton Currently streaming on Netflix.

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