Variety
Friday, October 23, 2026 at 09:00 AM1 min read• Dispatch by Alex RitmanVerified Wire
Bridgerton Star Hannah Dodd Secures First Leading Film Role in Lucas Jones Romance Drama
Archived syndication image from Variety Direct Publisher Wire
Rising British star Hannah Dodd, widely recognized for her portrayal of Francesca Bridgerton in Netflix's global Regency-era phenomenon, has secured her debut leading film role in Lucas Jones' upcoming romantic drama, Miss You Forever, Zara Drake. The casting marks a significant career milestone for the young actress, who will step into the central protagonist role for the feature film.
Prior to landing this major cinematic milestone, Dodd established herself as a formidable presence in the entertainment industry with standout performances across several high-profile projects. Her impressive resume includes critical roles in the streaming giant's sequel Enola Holmes 2 and the suspenseful television miniseries Anatomy of a Scandal, steadily building toward this latest leading-lady opportunity.
According to exclusive industry reports published by Variety, the upcoming romantic feature is anticipated to showcase a different facet of Dodd's established dramatic range. While official commentary from production studios and director Lucas Jones remains closely guarded, industry analysts note that securing a talent of Dodd's current market value underscores the high expectations surrounding the feature.
As pre-production gets underway, the project is poised to generate substantial box office interest upon its eventual rollout. Observers expect further casting announcements and production schedules to be unveiled as the creative team prepares to bring the romantic drama to the silver screen.