Bridgerton Casting Director Reveals Secrets Behind Season 4 Casting

Kelly Valentine Hendry discusses the global search for the new female lead and the responsibility of maintaining the show's style.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:53pm

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Kelly Valentine Hendry, the casting director for all four seasons of the Netflix series Bridgerton, discusses the global search for this year's female lead, Sophie Baek, and how they found the perfect actress in Yerin Ha. She also talks about casting Rosamund and Posy Li, the two stepsisters, as well as other new characters like Araminta Gun, played by Katie Leung. Hendry emphasizes the importance of finding actors who can fall into the pattern and rhythm of the existing show while also giving each season its own heartbeat.

Why it matters

Bridgerton has become a global phenomenon, and the casting director plays a crucial role in maintaining the show's unique style and introducing new characters that resonate with audiences. Hendry's approach to casting, which involves a reverence for the show and a commitment to representation, has helped make Bridgerton a success.

The details

Hendry says the search for Sophie Baek, the new female lead, was a global effort that involved auditioning both complete beginners and well-established actresses. When Yerin Ha came in at the last minute, everyone knew immediately that she was the perfect fit. Hendry also discusses the casting of Rosamund and Posy Li, the two stepsisters, as well as the decision to bring in American actress Michelle Mao for the role of Rosamund. Additionally, Hendry talks about the challenge of casting actors who need to perfect British accents, such as Katie Leung, who plays Araminta Gun.

  • In July 2024, Yerin Ha's self-taped audition landed on Hendry's desk.
  • The chemistry read between Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson took place via Zoom, as Ha was abroad at the time.

The players

Kelly Valentine Hendry

The casting director for all four seasons of the Netflix series Bridgerton.

Yerin Ha

The actress who was cast as the new female lead, Sophie Baek, in Bridgerton season 4.

Luke Thompson

The actor who had a chemistry read with Yerin Ha for the role of Sophie Baek's love interest.

Michelle Mao

The American actress who was cast in the role of Rosamund Li, one of Sophie Baek's stepsisters.

Isabella Wei

The actress who was cast in the role of Posy Li, Sophie Baek's other stepsister.

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What they’re saying

“We knew that Sophie is a fan favorite. We knew how important it was to get it right.”

— Kelly Valentine Hendry, Casting Director

“Because it was just her. Sometimes in casting, you can't explain it. But I knew I was looking at Sophie Baek. I was like, 'I'm looking at her; we've done it.'”

— Kelly Valentine Hendry, Casting Director

“In Bridgerton, everyone gets to feel seen. And I think it was really important for another community of people to be seen this time, and not just in a supporting role but to be the girl on the poster.”

— Kelly Valentine Hendry, Casting Director

What’s next

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The takeaway

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