How 'New Girl' Inspired Nicola Coughlan & Luke Newton's Steamy Kiss in 'Bridgerton' & More

The Hollywood Reporter

20 May 202412:02

Summary

TLDRIn this engaging interview, the cast of 'Bridgerton' Season 3, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, and Claudia Jessie, share their excitement about the new season and discuss the evolution of their characters' relationships. They reflect on the chemistry between Colin and Penelope, which has deepened over time, mirroring their own growth as actors and friends. The cast also touches on Eloise's storyline, hinting at her journey toward self-discovery and potential love. The conversation is filled with humor and camaraderie, offering fans a glimpse into the dynamics behind the scenes of the popular period drama.

Takeaways

🎬 The cast of Bridgerton, including Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, and Claudia Jessie, are excited about the release of season 3.
🎉 There is a sense of accomplishment and surprise as the cast reflects on the release of the new season and the congratulatory messages they received.
🔥 Season 3 is perceived to elevate the romance and steaminess, aligning with the love story of Colin and Penelope, who have been connected since season one.
💕 The chemistry between the lead actors is attributed to their real-life friendship that has been developing over the years, enhancing their on-screen relationship.
🌟 Nicola Coughlan discusses how her character Penelope's confidence parallels her own personal growth, making the role more relatable and authentic.
🤔 Claudia Jessie, as Eloise, faces challenges in her storyline, including conflicts with friends and a secret that could impact her journey towards love and happiness.
🕺 The cast playfully debates who the best and worst dancers are, with a newcomer being highlighted for their professional dancing skills.
😅 There's a humorous moment where the cast recalls an incident of broken furniture during filming, which they have kept secret from the audience and even their co-stars.
🎵 The cast shares their thoughts on Penelope's taste in music, suggesting she might enjoy Taylor Swift's album, with a playful nod to the song 'Fortnite' by Ed Sheeran.
📱 Luke Newton reveals that he has not actively searched for 'thirst trap' TikToks but has seen and shared them with his co-star, sparking a humorous revelation about social media algorithms.
💌 The cast appreciates fan edits and the emotional connection they feel when watching these tributes to their characters and the show's journey.

Q & A

What was the cast's initial reaction to the release of season 3 of Bridgerton?
-The cast expressed surprise and excitement. Nicola Coughlan mentioned waking up and forgetting about the release until receiving congratulatory texts.
How does season 3 of Bridgerton differ in terms of romance and steaminess from the previous seasons?
-The cast believes that season 3 feels true and appropriate to Colin and Penelope's love story, building upon the connection they established since season one.
Did the actors' real-life friendship off-camera influence their on-screen chemistry?
-Yes, the actors' real-life friendship and history contributed to their on-screen chemistry, making it more authentic and easier to portray their characters' relationship.
How did the actors' personal growth reflect in their characters' development in season 3?
-Claudia Jessie and Luke Newton discussed how their personal growth, such as finding confidence in their work, mirrored their characters' journeys in the series.
What was Claudia Jessie's experience like taking on a more elevated role in season 3?
-Claudia expressed a mix of pride and amusement, as she watched her friends take the leading roles while also dealing with the more intimate scenes.
How does Eloise's storyline evolve in season 3, and what challenges is she facing?
-Eloise is depicted as struggling with her priorities, including a secret she's keeping, which complicates her path to love and happiness.
Is there a 'Bridgerton boy boot camp' for the male actors to prepare for their roles?
-No, there isn't an official boot camp. The actors rely on their understanding of the scripts and their characters' development throughout the series.
What was the most challenging aspect of portraying Colin Bridgerton's transformation in season 3?
-Luke Newton focused on embodying Colin's inner strength and character, highlighting that Colin didn't need a significant transformation because Penelope loved him for who he was.
Who is considered the best Regency Era dancer among the cast?
-Nicola Coughlan is considered the best dancer, with her professional dancing background giving her an advantage.
What piece of furniture was broken during the filming of certain intimate scenes?
-The specific piece of furniture remains a secret, with even the cast not knowing what it was.
What is Penelope's favorite song from Taylor Swift's album 'The Tortured Poets Department'?
-The cast jokingly suggests 'Fortnite' as Penelope's favorite song, indicating a humorous take on the question.
How many 'thirst trap' TikToks of Colin Bridgerton has Luke Newton watched?
-Luke didn't specify a number but mentioned that he saves and sends them to his co-star, indicating a playful dynamic off-camera.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Season 3 Premiere and Cast Dynamics

The cast of Bridgerton, including Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, and Claudia Jessie, discuss the release of Season 3. They share their surprise at forgetting the release date and the excitement surrounding the new season. The actors reflect on how the show has evolved, particularly the deepening relationship between their characters, Colin and Penelope. They also discuss the advantage of having built a real-life friendship that has translated into strong on-screen chemistry. The cast members express pride in each other's performances and the show's growth, and they address the character development of Eloise, who is facing personal challenges this season.

05:00

💃 Dancing, Transformation, and Tea Time

The conversation shifts to the actors' experiences with dancing in the show, with a particular focus on the skills of Nicola, who is a professional dancer. The cast also talks about the physical transformation of the character Colin, emphasizing that it was more about embracing his existing qualities rather than a drastic change. During a segment called 'Tea Time with Bridgerton,' the actors answer a series of fun questions while holding teacups. They discuss who the best and worst dancers are among them, a memorable broken furniture incident during filming, and their thoughts on Penelope's taste in music. The actors also share their experiences with social media, specifically TikTok, and how they engage with fan edits and content.

10:02

📺 Favorite TV Couples and Inspirations

The cast members of Bridgerton talk about their favorite 'friends to lovers' storylines from TV shows and movies, drawing parallels between these stories and the relationship between Colin and Penelope. They mention iconic couples like Ross and Rachel from 'Friends' and Jess and Nick from 'New Girl,' which have inspired their performances. The actors also discuss which love story they are most excited to see developed in future seasons of the show. The conversation is filled with humor, camaraderie, and mutual admiration, showcasing the strong bond between the cast members.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Bridgerton

Bridgerton is a popular television series set in the Regency era, known for its romance, glamour, and portrayal of high society. In this script, the cast members discuss their roles and experiences in the show's third season. The series is a central theme of the video, with the cast reflecting on their characters' development and the show's impact on viewers.

💡Season 3

Season 3 refers to the latest installment of the Bridgerton series that the cast is promoting. It is a significant concept in the script as the cast members express their excitement and emotions about the new season being released for the audience. They discuss how this season ups the ante in terms of romance and steaminess compared to the previous two seasons.

💡Chemistry

Chemistry in this context refers to the authentic and believable interaction between the characters, particularly the romantic leads, played by Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton. Their on-screen chemistry is a key element of the show's appeal, and the script highlights how their real-life friendship has contributed to the authenticity of their on-screen relationship.

💡Confidence

Confidence is a recurring theme in the script, especially when discussing the character development of Penelope, played by Nicola Coughlan. It is mentioned in relation to her character's growth in finding herself and her relationship. The concept is also tied to the actors' personal growth, as they find their footing in their roles and the industry.

💡Eloise

Eloise is a character from the Bridgerton series who is discussed in the script. She is depicted as going through a challenging time, with the cast speculating on her journey towards love and happiness. Eloise's storyline is integral to the narrative, and the script suggests that her defiance and priorities will shape her path.

💡Trio

The term 'trio' is used to describe the three main cast members present in the interview: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, and Claudia Jessie. They form a significant part of the season's narrative and dynamics. The script highlights their camaraderie and the importance of their characters in the unfolding story.

💡Regency Era

The Regency Era is the historical period in which the Bridgerton series is set. It is characterized by its distinct fashion, social norms, and etiquette. The script references this era in discussions about dancing and the show's setting, which is crucial for understanding the cultural context of the series.

💡Thirst Trap

A 'thirst trap' is a term used to describe a provocative or alluring image posted on social media to attract attention or admiration. In the script, it is humorously mentioned in the context of an actor posting such content, reflecting the modern-day social media culture that contrasts with the show's historical setting.

💡Friends to Lovers

The concept of 'friends to lovers' is a common romantic trope in the Bridgerton series and is discussed in the script. It refers to the narrative where two characters who are friends develop romantic feelings for each other. The cast members relate this to their characters' journeys and also to iconic on-screen couples from other TV shows and movies.

💡Tea Time with Bridgerton

Tea Time with Bridgerton is a segment of the interview where the cast members are asked a series of questions while holding teacups and saucers, a nod to the traditional British custom of afternoon tea. This segment adds a light-hearted and interactive element to the interview, allowing the cast to share fun anecdotes and insights.

💡Fan Edits

Fan edits refer to the creative works made by fans of the show, often involving video montages or image edits that celebrate the characters and storylines of Bridgerton. The script mentions the cast's appreciation for these edits, highlighting the strong fan engagement and the impact the show has had on its audience.

Highlights

The cast of Bridgerton discusses the release of season 3 and their emotions around it.

The actors feel season 3 ups the steaminess and romance compared to previous seasons.

Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton built a strong real-life friendship off camera which helped their on-screen chemistry.

Claudia Jessie discusses her elevated role in season 3 and watching her co-stars take on the leading roles.

Eloise's character is going through a rough time in season 3, but there are hints she may open up to love and happiness.

Luke Newton jokes about the physicality required for his role as Colin Bridgerton.

The cast shares funny stories about dancing and breaking furniture on set.

They discuss Penelope's love for literature and who her favorite Taylor Swift song might be.

Luke and Nicola talk about the fan edits they've seen and how they're a beautiful tribute to the characters' journeys.

The actors pick who they would want to be the diamond of the season in Hollywood.

They discuss their favorite friends-to-lovers stories in movies and TV shows, including When Harry Met Sally and Ross and Rachel.

The cast shares which Bridgerton love story they're hoping to see next.

The interview concludes with a toast to the new season.

The cast reflects on the primary force that guides people along their paths in life.