Bridgerton followers have rejoiced that season 3 is now on streaming. With Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s romance within the forefront, some followers are questioning if his sister Francesca Bridgerton is autistic after showcasing her blooming romance.
Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) makes her debut in society and is actively discovering a suitor. Queen Charlotte doesn’t discover a diamond of the season, however Francesca develops a crush on John Stirling (Victor Alli), a quiet man she’s keen on taking part in piano with. Although her actions might sound louder than phrases, many followers took to notice that Fran is fairly reserved in comparison with her siblings’ romances.
One viral tweet that’s making the rounds on X says, “Can we simply discuss in regards to the incapacity illustration in #BridgertonS3 for a minute? Not solely is there a deaf actress utilizing BSL to speak on-screen, there’s additionally an eligible suitor in a wheelchair. To not point out the truth that Fran & John are autistic coded AF. 😭”
Is Francesca Bridgerton autistic?
Bridgerton, the TV collection doesn’t outrightly say that Francesca is autistic. Within the books, she’s described as introverted and really introspective. Nonetheless, followers had been fast to clock in a number of traits that had been “autistic coded.”
One fan wrote, “Considering how John and Francesca are so autistic and ADHD coded. That scene between Fran and John the place she tells him her ideas on a musical piece and John shortly marches away as he appears to be like on the participant and in a while we discover out why he did that and I’m like…child boy 🥹”
One other fan on Reddit identified that her behaviors match up with what might be proven on the neurodivergent spectrum. “I very a lot learn her as on the spectrum and it makes me so joyful to see illustration like this,” they wrote. “Most illustration is exhibiting folks stereotypically on the spectrum and never a refined, masking illustration (like Francesca). It exhibits a way more practical view. Numerous autistic folks by her age are fairly good at masking and simply learn as introverts with particular hobbies or pursuits or one thing like her.”
Although many followers agreed, there have been nonetheless some followers who had been hesitant. “Having a expertise and being introverted don’t essentially make somebody autistic,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “They’re frequent traits. Being snug in silence isn’t uncommon both. For her presentation to the Queen she knew the significance, she simply has a sensible character. I’m autistic myself and don’t assume she’s portrayed as neurodivergent.
What has Francesca’s actress stated about her character?
In a dialog with Netflix’s Tudum, actress Hannah Dodd and showrunner Jess Brownell didn’t reveal if Francesca was autistic, however emphasised her quiet and introverted nature. “Francesca doesn’t at all times say what she’s feeling like the remainder of the Bridgertons,” Brownell advised the outlet. “So we had been at all times searching for little methods to clue folks in on the truth that there’s much more happening than meets the attention. She has a really wealthy inside world.”
Dodd additionally defined that her character’s arc was purposeful attributable to her feeling intimidated. “There’s positively an air of innocence about her. Debutantes are so younger. Though they ready for these moments for his or her complete lives, you’ll be able to’t replicate a ball or suitors that you simply’ve by no means met earlier than coming as much as you. You don’t understand how these conversations are going to go.”
However even with high-class expectations placed on her, she’s prepared to go ahead. “She’s not preventing it. She’s going to those balls. She is looking for a husband,” Dodd explains. “I believe the distinction is that she’s not enthusiastic about it. She’s not spent her complete life dreaming about what her marriage ceremony day will appear like and what her husband’s going to be. She simply is aware of it’s her time and that is a part of life, and right here we go.”
Bridgerton Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.