Bridgerton’s New Gay Star James Phoon is ‘Very Excited’

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Hold onto your bonnets, Bridgerton fans! The latest news from the Regency era’s juiciest gossip mill has dropped, and it’s positively thrilling. James Phoon, the new star of Netflix’s mega-hit, is turning heads and hearts as he joins the cast for season three. But it’s not just his role as Harry Dankworth, the charmingly clueless new husband to Prudence Featherington (played by Bessie Carter), that’s causing a stir. Phoon, an openly gay actor of British and East-Asian heritage, is ecstatic about the potential for a queer storyline in the upcoming season.

Bridgerton has always been celebrated for its diverse cast and inclusive storytelling, a trend set to continue under the new showrunner, Jess Brownell. Brownell has promised to weave an LGBTQ+ romance into the fabric of the series, a move that Phoon, along with his co-star Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington), is particularly excited about.

In an interview with PinkNews, Phoon expressed his enthusiasm for the direction the show is taking. “Although it’s in this fictional Britain, and the representation we see isn’t exactly the way that Britain was in the 1800s, these people did exist in terms of different races, people of different gender identities, people of different sexualities,” Phoon said. This representation is not only important to Phoon as an actor but also as an individual who embodies the diversity that Bridgerton champions.

Phoon’s role in Bridgerton marks his biggest gig to date, following notable performances in the BBC’s queer slasher comedy Wreck and Underdog: The Other Other Brontë at the National Theatre. His portrayal of Harry Dankworth promises to bring plenty of comedic relief, as Harry navigates the complexities of being a young, well-meaning, but somewhat naive new husband. The dynamic between Phoon and Carter, both new to each other and their roles, is set to provide plenty of awkward yet endearing moments.

But beyond the humor and the lavish period costumes, Phoon is particularly passionate about the show’s commitment to showcasing LGBTQ+ stories. He believes that the introduction of a queer romance in Bridgerton is not only a natural progression but also a necessary one. “Just because we haven’t heard about them before, and because the story and the spotlight hasn’t been on them, it doesn’t mean they didn’t exist. It just means we didn’t know about them,” he noted.

Phoon’s excitement is shared by fans eager to see more inclusive storylines. The actor’s own journey, from feeling there was no place for him in period dramas to becoming a prominent face in one of the most talked-about series globally, is a testament to the power of representation. He points out that while the show’s setting may not be historically accurate, it allows for the exploration of themes and stories that resonate deeply with modern audiences.

The potential queer storyline in Bridgerton promises to be a groundbreaking addition, exploring how a same-sex relationship would fit within the rigid societal structures of the 1800s. Phoon highlights that this exploration is particularly poignant given the show’s focus on the traditional male-female courtship dynamics.

Moreover, Phoon’s casting as a straight character, despite being openly gay, alongside Jonathan Bailey (another gay actor playing a straight role), marks a significant shift in the entertainment industry. “Ten years ago in this industry, I don’t think many gay actors would’ve got the opportunity to play straight roles,” Phoon remarked, underscoring the importance of diverse casting that transcends an actor’s real-life identity.

As Bridgerton continues to push boundaries and challenge norms, James Phoon’s excitement and involvement in the show serve as a beacon of progress and inclusion. Fans can look forward to more drama, more romance, and a fresh perspective that embraces the rich tapestry of human experience.

Catch James Phoon as Harry Dankworth in Bridgerton season three, with the first four episodes streaming on Netflix from May 16, and the remaining episodes available from June 13. Additionally, Phoon’s performance in Underdog: The Other Other Brontë at the National Theatre in London continues until May 25.