Everything to know about 'Bridgerton' newcomer Masali Baduza

• South African actor Masali Baduza joins the cast of "Bridgerton" as Michaela Stirling.

• Baduza makes her first appearance in the season three finale.

• The actor previously starred in "The Woman King" and the TV series "Noughts + Crosses."

Warning: Major spoilers ahead for season three of "Bridgerton" and the book "When He Was Wicked."

The season three finale of "Bridgerton" gives Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) their happy ending, heavily implies which sibling from the titular family will get the spotlight next, and introduces a fresh spin on a fan-favorite character from Julia Quinn's novels.

The finale, released on Thursday, features the first appearance of John Stirling's (Victor Alli) cousin, Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza). The cameo from John's relative is significant because it's one of the many ways the show diverges from Quinn's book series, by setting up a queer romance for Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd).

Here's what you need to know about Baduza, the newest "Bridgerton" cast member.

Baduza studied at the New York Film Academy's Los Angeles campus

The South African actor graduated with an associate of fine arts (AFA) degree in 2016. Other notable NYFA alums include Issa Rae and Aubrey Plaza.

Since graduating, Baduza has acted in theater productions, TV shows, and movies.

Baduza most recently starred in the movie 'The Woman King'

Baduza made her film debut in the 2019 movie "Bhai's Cafe." After a few roles in shorts and TV shows, including BBC's drama series "Noughts + Crosses," the actor landed a part in the 2022 film "The Woman King" starring Viola Davis.

Baduza played Fumbe, a member of the movie's all-female army.

Baduza's chemistry read with 'Bridgerton' star Hannah Dodd secured her casting on the show

In the "Bridgerton" books, John dies two years into his marriage to Francesca and his cousin Michael becomes the new Earl of Kilmartin. Years pass before Francesca and Michael reconnect and explore their feelings for each other, leading to marriage and two children.

Since Michael has been gender-flipped for the TV show adaptation, Francesca's love story will probably play out much differently.

In an interview with Glamour, "Bridgerton" showrunner Jess Brownell said that they "flew her out the moment we saw her tape to do a chemistry read with Hannah."

"She absolutely nailed it," Brownell said, adding that Dodd was keen on Baduza being cast after meeting her.

"I remember the moment Hannah met Masali," Brownell recalled. "After Masali left, she said, 'Well, that's her.' Hannah could feel it. She is an incredible actress, and she and I have had a lot of talks about the weight and importance of her role. She's really stepped into it with wonderful energy."

All eight episodes of "Bridgerton" season three are now streaming on Netflix.

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