Bridgerton's Masali Baduza and Hannah Dodd explained why the controversial Francesca and Michaela gender swap was necessary to the show. "I understand that the Bridgerton book fans are very passionate about these characters, and I am too," Baduza, 28, told Refinery29 Australia after season 4 concluded on Thursday, February 26, noting how "proud" she is to tell a queer story on screen. Baduza noted that "everyone's story deserves to be told," adding, "I love Michaela so much, and I am just very proud to tell the story alongside Hannah.