Bridgerton‘s season 4 couple tease has ignited an ecstatic fan reaction. The show is an adaptation of the Regency era romance novels of the same name by Julia Quinn, with the first two seasons adapting the first two books by following the love stories of Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and then her eldest brother Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey). However, season 3 skipped straight to book 4 and the love story of the third-eldest brother, Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). Thus, it remains to be seen which sibling will be the focus of the upcoming Bridgerton season 4.

Across social media, fans have reacted to a scene toward the end of the recently released Bridgerton season 3, part 2, which teases an upcoming masquerade ball. That event is a central element of book 3, which tells the Cinderella-inspired love story of second-eldest brother Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson). That, combined with narration about the future taking place over a shot of Benedict, caused many viewers to speculate that season 4 will center on that character and introduce his love interest, Sophie. See select fan reactions below:

So, Will Benedict Be The Lead Of Bridgerton Season 4?

All Signs Point To Yes (But It’s Not Confirmed)

It makes sense that Benedict’s love story would be next, especially after those teases in the Bridgerton season 3 part 2 ending. Additionally, while the books are essentially standalone, they feature a consistent cast of characters on a forward-moving timeline, which means that adapting book 3 sooner than later may be a priority, to avoid getting too far ahead. However, in spite of the fact that the scripts for season 4 are nearing completion, it has not been officially confirmed who will be the lead of the season.

It’s possible that Colin and Penelope’s story was moved up because both stars have been involved with the show since season 1, and producers may have wanted to ensure that their story was adapted in case either star wanted to leave the Bridgerton cast. Because Sophie has not been officially cast, they only faced one possible departure when adapting book 3, which may have seemed like less of a risk. However, co-star Claudia Jessie’s involvement in other projects, including the upcoming miniseries Toxic Town, may mean that her character Eloise is in the running for season 4’s lead as well.

Considering the fact that there are eight novels in the series being adapted in Bridgerton, the writers may also be making some bold moves in season 4. It is uncommon for any Netflix live-action series, however popular, to run for eight seasons. While it still seems likely that the masquerade ball tease promises that the book 3 story is coming next, it is possible that season 4 will break tradition and adapt both Benedict and Eloise’s love stories at the same time.