Colin Bridgerton was far from the only one concerned about Marina Thompson after the events of Bridgerton season 2. Although Marina had a very small role in Julia Quinn’s novel series, the Netflix adaptation expanded her part in the first season as she tried to secure a wedding with Colin before her pregnancy was discovered. Yet, when exposed in Lady Whistledown’s pamphlet, Marina had no choice but to marry Phillip Crane, the brother of her child’s late father.

When expanding Marina’s story, the biggest change to the character was making her a cousin to the Featheringtons instead of the Bridgertons, so that Marina could pursue Colin. This change has already had an interesting ripple effect, however, as Colin remained enamored with her throughout season 2 even though she’d been taken off the marriage market. During their brief reunion, Marina emphasized that not everyone can have a romantic and happy ending, but does her life improve after Bridgerton season 2?

Marina Thompson Dies In The Bridgerton Books

Marina Dies Following An Attempted Suicide

Sadly, if Netflix’s Bridgerton follows the books, Marina Thompson’s story will end in tragedy. After about eight years of marriage, Marina dies of a fever following a failed suicide attempt. Phillip Crane mourns her passing in letters to Eloise Bridgerton, who reaches out to express her condolences at the beginning of book five, (To Sir Phillip, with Love). Marina’s death lays the groundwork for Phillip’s love story with Eloise, since he made it very clear throughout the novel that he and Marina were never in love.

Marina’s only joy in life was her twin children.

She had been in a constant state of melancholy during their marriage. Colin’s visit in Bridgerton season 2 shows that this already seems to be the case for her, since Marina’s only joy in life was her twin children. Her relationship with her husband was an indifferently polite one at best, as they appeared to spend most of their time apart.

Will Netflix Play Out Marina’s Story On Bridgerton?

Marina Lived Through Bridgerton Season 2

It’s unknown how closely Netflix’s Bridgerton will stick to Marina’s original story. Since the series fleshed out the character far more than the books ever did, it could be quite a surprise for her to die in the same tragic way. More than anything, the Bridgerton TV series has emphasized the value of happy endings and promised that true love is possible for everyone. It would go against its message to show Marina dying sad and alone, having resigned herself to a life of sorrow. Perhaps the series will diverge more decisively from the source material regarding Marina’s story.

Sadly, Marina never showed up in the first part of Bridgerton season 3. There is also a good chance that she won’t be back at all on the Netflix romantic drama. The decision not to have her appear (despite this being Colin’s season) was disappointing, since she was his betrothed before he made a change. It would have been amazing to see how Marina would have reacted to the ‘new’ Colin, and how he would have handled her – although this would also have added yet another character to a season that has been criticized for attempting too many plotlines already.

Because Marina didn’t show up here, where her past story would be most relevant, it’s unlikely that she will be seen in future, either. However, her story does, presumably, have to end at some point – because in the books, Eloise and Phillip marry, and thus far, all the final pairings from the books have played out in the show. It’s necessary, therefore, to kill Marina off in some way, and all that remains to be seen is if the show will follow the books, or if Marina may die of natural causes, without any suicide attempt. This would certainly be an end to the character that better fits the happily-ever-after focus of the series.

Why Marina Isn’t In Bridgerton Season 3

Ruby Baker Doesn’t Want To Return To Bridgerton

There is another reason to expect that Marina will not reappear in the show, and that instead, her death will happen off-screen (and only to free up Philliip for Eloise). Actress Ruby Baker doesn’t want to return, and has said she wouldn’t come back to the show.

“I wouldn’t return to Bridgerton because A) it wouldn’t be my choice, and B) when I did Bridgerton – obviously this is very much in the public knowledge and stuff like that – I had a mental health crisis.”

Baker said her mental struggles were affected by Marina and the character’s role in Bridgerton. She said that the show was one of her career’s best moments. However, she also said that she endured some of the worst times in her life during that period. She then said that Marina’s tragic ending made it impossible for her to return to play the character. “It’s not going to happen. I’ve done my bit,” Baker said. Baker’s unwillingness to return means that either Marina will pass away without being seen again, and the show will continue to follow the books – or, should the show go in a completely new direction, Marina will simply live out her life with Phillip, and Eloise will have an entirely new love interest when it is time for her season. Based on everything seen so far, though, the future is looking grim for poor Marina.