Bridgerton Fans, Here's Where You've Seen Penelope's New Suitor Before

Summary

• We're finally starting to get more information about Bridgerton 's upcoming season.
• Colin will have a lot of work to do if he wants to make up for his past behavior.
• Penelope will have a new love interest in the intriguing Lord Debling.
• You may have seen this actor on a number of British hits.

Netflix has finally released an official trailer for season 3 of Bridgerton, and there's soooo much to talk about.

Obviously at some point we have to address the fact that Colin has returned from his travels restyled as a sexy pirate (hahahaha YES), but first let's take a look at the mysterious new stranger who has appeared in the ton.

Penelope approached the end of last season thinking that her longtime friend and crush Colin might be starting to return her feelings – only to overhear him talking to his gentlebros about how he would never dream of courting her. Penelope burst into tears, her heart smashed into a million pieces, and she's entering this season determined to move on.

A Love Triangle In The Making

From what we know about Season 3, Penelope can't take living at home with her obnoxious family any more, so she's firmly committed to stop being a wallflower and start looking for a husband. Although she's given up on Colin, she is determined to find someone who will treat her decently and allow her the sort of independence she craves.

Colin Bridgerton still has no interest in courting Penelope, but her coldness since the events of last season leave him missing his long-time friend. He promises Penelope that he will help her find a husband, and if the sneak peeks are any indication Penelope starts to bloom under his guidance. (It probably helps that she has enough Lady Whistledown money to start buying better clothes.)

Into the fray comes a new Bridgerton character, played by blonde English actor Sam Phillips. The 39-year-old Phillips plays Lord Debling, a newcomer to the scene who takes a liking to Penelope and causes Colin to become jealous over his best friend's attentions.

A Strong Contender

Lord Debling does not appear in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton books (upon which the show is based), but Netflix has released a little bit of info on the lord. According to a 2022 Deadline article, Debling is 'a genial lord with unusual interests. But with wealth and a noble title to back up his eccentricities, he'll have no shortage of interest from young ladies this season.'

For some fans, Colin has a lot of work to do if he wants to regain their esteem. He's been dismissive of Penelope for years, never seeming to appreciate her properly even as a friend. His continued obsession with Marina last year felt a bit immature, and even his reaction to traveling gave us distinct I-just-went-on-a-gap-year vibes.

With all of that in mind, will Colin be able to win back our affections and Penelope's heart? Or will the rich, eccentric Debling be a stronger contender? That blonde beard is doing a lot of heavy lifting, though Colin's new pirate look is pretty cute.

Where Have You Seen Him Before?

You might recognize Phillips from his work in several British television series, including episodes of The Crown ( 2019-2020) and Grantchester (2021). He also had a featured role as Sergeant Dockett in 2015's Far From The Madding Crowd (2015). If you're a parent, you might also have seen him as one of the central characters in the children's series Hotel Trubble.

Though he has worked steadily in theater and film for the past two decades, Bridgerton will likely prove to be a breakthrough for Phillips. The Netflix series has been a bona fide sensation, with episodes streamed by millions of fans around the world. It has already launched the careers of previously unknown Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor, along with a dozen other actors who have become household names. Who knows – whether or not he wins Penelope's hand, Phillips might walk away with all of our hearts.

Bridgerton's third season will be released in two batches. The first half of the season will be released on May 16, and the second half will drop on June 13.

Source: Deadline.