Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell has directly addressed the persistent fan theories surrounding Eloise Bridgerton's sexuality and potential queer storyline in the hit Netflix period drama. In a recent interview, Brownell provided significant insight into how the creative team views Eloise's character development and her place within the strict social confines of Regency-era London.
Fan Theories and Character Interpretation
Since the show's debut, viewers have consistently interpreted Eloise Bridgerton, portrayed by Claudia Jessie, as a queer-coded character. This perception stems primarily from her notable disinterest in the marriage market and the eligible men of the ton, which has sparked widespread speculation about her sexual orientation. Claudia Jessie herself has acknowledged these theories, previously telling Business Insider that "there's a strength in her that I think a queer storyline can connect."
Showrunner's Perspective on Eloise's Identity
Speaking to Out Magazine, Jess Brownell offered a nuanced explanation for Eloise's character trajectory. "Plenty of people have asked like, 'Is Eloise queer?,' and I think we do sometimes think of this refusal to follow heteronormative standards as a queer statement," Brownell stated. However, she clarified that for Eloise specifically, "it's about her identity as a human being and relationship to society in the 1800s more than it is about her sexuality, specifically."
Brownell emphasized the importance of Eloise's character as a counterpoint within the series. "It's really wonderful to be able to represent a character as a counterpoint to all of these characters who are obsessed with marriage," she explained, highlighting how Eloise challenges the romantic priorities that dominate the Bridgerton universe.
Future Storylines and Character Development
With Eloise confirmed to lead either season 5 or 6 of Bridgerton, fans are particularly curious about whether the show will deviate from Julia Quinn's original book series, where Eloise eventually marries Sir Philip Crane. Brownell's comments suggest the creative team is carefully considering how to balance fan expectations with their vision for the character.
Romantic Interests and Cerebral Pursuits
While Eloise did experience a crush on Theo Sharp in season 2, she has shown no explicit romantic interest in any characters since then. Brownell explained that this isn't necessarily about gender, but rather about Eloise's current priorities. "She is genuinely more interested in cerebral pursuits at this moment," Brownell told TVLine during season 3's airing.
The showrunner elaborated that Eloise is "on a path of finding her place in a society that doesn't make a lot of room for women who care more about ideas than they do love." This perspective reinforces the idea that Eloise's journey is fundamentally about intellectual and personal fulfillment rather than romantic entanglements, regardless of gender.
Representation and Narrative Choices
Brownell acknowledged the team's awareness of how audiences perceive Eloise. "We've talked about Eloise in the room a lot about the fact that to a lot of people, she does read as queer, and I totally understand why," she revealed. However, the creative team has consciously decided to maintain Eloise as a character for whom romance isn't the primary focus, creating important representation for women whose priorities extend beyond relationships.
This approach allows Bridgerton to explore different types of female experiences within its historical setting, providing a broader spectrum of representation while staying true to the character's established trajectory. As the series continues to develop, Eloise's story promises to remain one of the most compelling and discussed narratives among the Bridgerton fandom.
