Bridgerton's next romantic lead lands debut lead movie role in "timeless" romantic drama

Bridgerton star Hannah Dodd has landed her debut lead film role in romantic drama Miss You Forever, Zara Drake. The news comes ahead of Hannah taking centre stage in the upcoming 5th season of the period drama.

Miss You Forever, Zara Drake is written, directed and produced by actor and poet Lucas Jones, with filming on the project taking place in the UK and US in Spring 2027.

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The synopsis for Miss You Forever, Zara Drake reads: "Zara Drake is at the peak of her ascent to adoration and notoriety. But one year after falling in love with Isaac Owens (frontman of a soon-to-be washed-up band), Zara seems to have disappeared from the face of the planet.

"Set in a timeless age between New York City & the tree-lined streets of England, ‘Miss You Forever, Zara Drake’ explores the dichotomy of a love fuelled by resounding generational trauma and empty success," the synopsis adds.

"Built on the iconography and heritage of the 90s fashion scene, two lost souls fight to outrun their trauma."

Earlier this year it was announced that Dodd's character Francesca Bridgerton will be the focus of the series' upcoming fifth season, with her and love interest Michaela (Masali Baduza) spotlighted.

The synopsis for the fifth season from Netflix reads: "The fifth season of Bridgerton spotlights introverted middle daughter Francesca.

"Two years after losing her beloved husband John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons.

Related: Netflix confirms brand-new Queen Charlotte-style Bridgerton spinoff with fan-favourite character

"But when John's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza) returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Fran's complicated feelings will have her questioning whether to stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions."

Speaking about season five choosing to highlight a love story between two women, showrunner Jess Brownell told Netflix's Tudum: "It feels groundbreaking.

"Obviously, there are a lot of great shows that have depicted queer love. We're not the first by any means... But to make an entire Bridgerton season about a sapphic relationship feels huge."

Bridgerton season 1-4 are available on Netflix, and season 5 is on the way.

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Stephanie is a freelance news writer, who previously covered WWE and AEW for Digital Spy.

After graduating with a degree in history from Queen Mary University, London, she studied journalism at Birkbeck University.

Outside of her work at Digital Spy, she writes about pop culture, with a special focus towards Irish media and how it intersects with politics.