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Chris Fulton first brought the character of Phillip Crane to life in Netflix’s acclaimed series, Bridgerton. However, as the series progresses, fans are left wondering about his continued presence on the show.
Phillip Crane was initially introduced during the first season of Bridgerton, during a storyline where Marina Thompson, played by Ruby Barker, faces a significant personal dilemma. Marina’s unexpected pregnancy becomes a central plot point, leading her to accept Phillip’s marriage proposal after his brother George, the father of her child, passes away.
Although Fulton made a brief return in the second season, his character has since been absent, sparking speculation among fans. Those familiar with Julia Quinn’s novels understand the significance of Phillip Crane, particularly in the fifth book, To Sir Phillip, With Love, which centers around his romantic journey with Eloise Bridgerton, portrayed by Claudia Jessie.
Given that Eloise is expected to have her own season of romantic pursuit, questions arise about whether Fulton’s absence suggests a shift. The show has a precedent for recasting, as seen when Hannah Dodd replaced Ruby Stokes for the character of Francesca.
Such recasts, paired with deviations from the original books, have fueled concerns among the fanbase about potential changes in the series’ main characters. As Bridgerton continues to adapt Julia Quinn’s beloved novels, it follows the romantic escapades of the Bridgerton family in Regency-era society, leaving viewers eager yet anxious about what future seasons may hold.
Showrunner Jess Brownell hasn’t weighed in on the recasting concerns but confirmed in January 2026 that Eloise and Phillip or Francesca and Michaela (Masali Baduza) are next in line. She also clarified that Phillip will be part of the show again, telling Swooon, “I think we are interested in honoring the love interest from Eloise’s book. I can dispel, she’s not ending up with Theo. She’s ending up with the love interest from her book.”
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Fulton before his potential return to Bridgerton:
When Did Chris Fulton Originally Appear on ‘Bridgerton’?
Season 1 introduced Marina’s story as she spent time with the Featheringtons, which is when she realized she was pregnant. Marina tried to contact the father — to no avail — until Phillip Crane arrived and revealed his brother died. Phillip offered to look after Marina and his brother’s kids by marrying her.
By the time Colin (Luke Newton) visited Marina in season 2, she was Phillip’s wife and they resided in the countryside. Marina, however, didn’t seem happy and made it clear that she married Phillip for the sake of her kids.
What Has Chris Fulton Worked on Outside of ‘Bridgerton’?
Chris Fulton has appeared on Clique, Endeavour, Succession, The Witcher, The Lazarus Project and Outlander. On the big screen, Fulton has worked on Outlaw King, Our Ladies and Falling Into Place.
Are There Plans to Bring Chris Fulton Back as Phillip Crane?
Chris Fulton, Florence Hunt, and Will Tilston. Netflix (2); Everett Collection
When asked by Us in February 2026 whether Chris Fulton — who appeared in seasons 1 and 2 — would reprise his role or if a new actor would be brought in, author Julia Quinn noted that she doesn’t know the plan after changes have been made in other adaptations.
“I don’t necessarily know how they’re gonna spin it or write it or what they’re going to keep and change,” Quinn said while teasing Eloise’s upcoming season of the hit Netflix series.
Quinn added that she’s excited to see her novel To Sir Phillip, With Love come to life.
“I love her story,” she added about Eloise’s romance with Phillip. “He’s got two kids who she has got to wrangle, which is awesome. The fact that Eloise is going to have an instant family is awesome. His twins are pretty ruthless to her so I hope they keep stuff like that in.”
Bridgerton fans know that season 5 will focus on either Eloise or Francesca — but what else has been revealed about possible book changes, character exits and more? The Netflix series, which is based on the book series written by Julia Quinn, centers around members of the wealthy Bridgerton family as they search for love […]
Why Do Fans Think Chris Fulton Is Coming Back to ‘Bridgerton’?
Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton Liam Daniel/Netflix
Despite not filming any episodes of Bridgerton since 2021, Fulton has continued to attend conventions and events dedicated to the Regency series.
Where Is Phillip Crane’s Story Going on ‘Bridgerton’?
Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton. Liam Daniel/Netflix
Spoiler alert for those who haven’t read Julia Quinn’s book series, Eloise got in contact with Phillip after Marina’s death. They corresponded for a while before Eloise ran away from home … and ended up visiting Phillip.