Nicola Coughlan, known for her portrayal of Penelope Featherington in the beloved Netflix series Bridgerton, recently shared insights into her experience during the costume fitting for the highly anticipated third season. Expressing gratitude in a new interview, Coughlan reflected on the evolution of her character’s aesthetic over the course of the series.
In previous seasons, Coughlan noted that the Featherington aesthetic leaned towards a “more is more” approach, where the objective was not necessarily to make her character look conventionally appealing. Instead, the emphasis was on embracing extravagant and vibrant costumes that contributed to the overall visual spectacle of the show. However, as the lead of the upcoming season, Coughlan found herself experiencing a shift in perspective regarding her character’s appearance.
Reflecting on her character’s journey, Coughlan expressed her disbelief at being cast as the leading lady in a romance show. She clarified that her surprise was not due to self-perceived inadequacies but rather stemmed from the unexpected transition of her character, Penelope Featherington, from a supporting to a central figure in the narrative. Penelope, initially portrayed as the “oddball in the corner,” has now stepped into the spotlight, prompting Coughlan to humorously acknowledge her comfort in portraying quirky and overlooked characters.
Despite her initial surprise, Coughlan embraced the opportunity to explore Penelope’s story arc in greater depth. She described the upcoming season as a transformative journey for her character, marked by moments of growth, self-discovery, and newfound confidence. As Penelope navigates the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations, Coughlan relished the opportunity to delve deeper into her character’s psyche and motivations.
Season three of Bridgerton will delve into Penelope Featherington’s quest for love and independence. Having moved past her unrequited feelings for Colin Bridgerton, Penelope embarks on a journey to find a suitable husband who will allow her to maintain her independence and pursue her ambitions. However, her attempts on the marriage mart do not go as planned, leading to humorous and poignant moments as she grapples with the realities of courtship and romance.
Coughlan also spoke about her unique bond with co-star Luke Newton, who portrays Colin Bridgerton. Their shared experience of navigating the complexities of Bridgerton stardom has forged a rare connection between them, both on and off-screen. Coughlan emphasized the importance of their camaraderie and mutual support in bringing authenticity to their on-screen relationship.
Based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling book series, Bridgerton has captivated audiences worldwide since its premiere in 2020. Produced by Shonda Rhimes’s company Shondaland, the series has garnered praise for its lavish costumes, intricate plotlines, and captivating performances. As anticipation builds for the next installment, fans eagerly await to witness Penelope Featherington’s journey unfold amidst the backdrop of Regency-era London.
The upcoming third season of Bridgerton will be released in two parts, with the first four episodes dropping on Netflix on May 16 and the final four episodes following on June 13. As fans prepare to immerse themselves in the world of Bridgerton once again, Nicola Coughlan’s portrayal of Penelope Featherington promises to captivate audiences with its depth, complexity, and authenticity.