Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story - What Happened To Reynolds?
In a world as rich as "Bridgerton," the possibility for spin-offs and sequels is endless. As fans wait for more seasons of the mainstay series, they're at least treated to the limited series "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story." Taking place in different time periods, focusing on different characters, the miniseries colors in some of the shades of gray fans have witnessed throughout "Bridgerton." The limited-run show centers on two romances — those between Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and George (Corey Mylchreest) as well as their dutiful compatriots Brimsley (Sam Clemmett) and Reynolds (Freddie Dennis).
Due to the time period, Brimsley and Reynolds must hide their love affair, but by the end of the series, the two share a dance together. However, an edit soon cuts to Brimsley dancing by himself without any word of what happened to Reynolds. This would naturally lead many to believe that Reynolds passed away at some point, which would explain why an older version of him doesn't appear in "Bridgerton." However, a new quote suggests something far more tragic transpired between Brimsley and Reynolds that should answer the question of what happened to Reynolds in "Queen Charlotte."
Hugh Sachs says the two simply grew apart
The relationship between Brimsley and Reynolds in "Queen Charlotte" is dire from the start, as being gay is a punishable offense in the time period of the show. One would hope the two could find happiness at some point, but alas, it appears it wasn't meant to be. While it's never directly stated what happened to Reynolds, Hugh Sachs, who plays the older version of Brimsley, told Vulture that the two merely fell out of love. He elaborated, "There was a scene that we didn't film, because it was cut, where I was going to meet the older Reynolds. He was the love of his life, and for whatever reason, they could not stay together. So, when they would pass each other in the passageway in the deleted scene, it wasn't a toxic moment. Because of the world they inhabited, it was still a hangable offense to be gay, and it was just not possible."
It makes sense the two simply couldn't stay together by the time "Bridgerton" comes around. After all, there's a moment when Queen Charlotte asks Brimsley if he's married, and he responds with how he could be with anyone when he must serve her. One could imagine Reynolds would face the same kind of pressure to forego romantic pleasures so that he could always be there for the king.
Nothing has been established in canon regarding Reynolds' fate in the "Bridgerton" universe, so there's always the possibility he could return. Perhaps Brimsley and Reynolds could give it another go at a later date. But for now, their fate together remains a tragic one.