Bridgerton star Yerin Ha has opened up about the meaningful decision to alter her character Sophie's surname in the highly anticipated fourth season of the Netflix period drama. In a recent interview, the actress explained the personal and cultural significance behind changing Sophie's name from Beckett to Baek, a move that honours her Korean heritage.
A Powerful Gesture from Showrunner Jess Brownell
Yerin Ha praised showrunner Jess Brownell for initiating what she describes as a "powerful gesture" during character development. This follows a pattern established in previous seasons, where characters' surnames were modified to reflect the actors' backgrounds. Most notably, Kate and Edwina's surname was changed from Sheffield to Sharma to honour actresses Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran's South Asian heritage.
"A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and that's why changing a name can be so powerful," Yerin told Netflix's Tudum publication. "To make Sophie's name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering. All credit to Jess Brownell, our showrunner."
Collaborative Process in Choosing Baek
The actress revealed she played an instrumental role in selecting the specific surname. When Brownell inquired about Korean last names beginning with the letter B, they ultimately settled on Baek. This collaborative approach ensured the name felt authentic and meaningful.
"It's a really nice way for me to feel like the role is fit for me, rather than me having to fit a certain mold," Yerin added. "It's amazing what it can do just in a psychological sense. So it means a lot that Jess did that for me."
Broader Pattern of Cultural Representation
This surname adjustment forms part of a broader initiative within Bridgerton's production to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of its cast members. Other characters have undergone similar changes to better reflect the actors' cultural heritages.
Araminta's surname has been shortened from Gunningworth to Gun, while Rosamund and Posy's surname has been changed from Reiling to Li. These modifications honour the East Asian heritage of actresses Katie Leung, Michelle Mao, and Isabella Wei respectively.
Additional Cultural Inclusions
Katie Leung further disclosed to Harper's Bazaar UK that the production team offered opportunities for cultural expression beyond surname changes. The actresses were given the option to speak lines in Cantonese within the storyline, though this was presented as a choice rather than a requirement.
"Those little nods make all the difference," Leung remarked about these inclusive gestures that acknowledge the performers' cultural backgrounds while maintaining narrative integrity.
Embracing Authentic Representation
The deliberate surname changes throughout Bridgerton's adaptation process demonstrate a conscious effort to create more authentic representation on screen. By modifying character names to align with actors' heritages, the production team fosters a sense of ownership and connection between performer and role.
This approach represents a significant shift from traditional adaptation practices, where characters' backgrounds might remain unchanged regardless of casting decisions. Bridgerton's method acknowledges that representation extends beyond casting alone, incorporating cultural elements into character development itself.
As Bridgerton continues to captivate global audiences with its diverse casting and inclusive storytelling, these thoughtful adjustments to character details contribute to a richer, more authentic viewing experience that resonates with both performers and audiences alike.
