Nicola Coughlan, star of the Netflix series "Bridgerton," has commented on the portrayal of women and their sexuality both in the Regency era and today. The actress, who plays Penelope Featherington in the drama set between 1813 and 1827, pointed out the continuing disparities in how men and women's sexual behaviors are perceived and judged.
Coughlin expressed her views that despite societal advancements, women still face greater judgment compared to men regarding their sexual agency. Her remarks were made in the context of discussing the relevance of "Bridgerton's" historical setting to modern-day attitudes.
The upcoming third series of "Bridgerton," scheduled for release on May 16, 2024, will focus on the relationship between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton. Coughlan has shared that the new series will feature several risqué scenes. She humorously noted in a prior interview that she plans to avoid watching these intimate scenes with her mother, suggesting a separate Netflix account for her instead.
Coughlan's character in the series, Penelope, is described as a modern heroine who seeks not only love and marriage but also a career, reflecting broader themes of women striving for multifaceted fulfillment in their lives.