The Gilded Age Season 4 Trailer: Marian & Larry’s Dream Wedding Faces Shocking Obstacles

HBO’s The Gilded Age has captivated audiences with its opulent portrayal of 1880s New York, weaving tales of ambition, romance, and scandal among the city’s elite. The recently released trailer for Season 4, premiering in late 2026 or early 2027, has sent fans into a frenzy, particularly with its focus on the much-anticipated wedding of Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) and Larry Russell (Harry Richardson). However, the trailer hints that their path to the altar is anything but smooth, with secrets, betrayals, and societal pressures threatening to derail their love. This article dives into the trailer’s key moments, explores the obstacles facing Marian and Larry, and speculates on whether their romance can survive the chaos of high society.

A Wedding to Remember—or Ruin?

The Season 4 trailer opens with breathtaking visuals of New York’s glittering ballrooms, setting the stage for what promises to be the social event of the year: Marian and Larry’s wedding. Sweeping shots of Marian in a resplendent gown and Larry in a tailored suit evoke the grandeur of the Gilded Age, with champagne toasts and floral arrangements signaling a celebration of love and status. Yet, the trailer quickly shifts tone, hinting at dark undercurrents beneath the polished surface. A hushed conversation between two society women mentions “a revelation that could stop the wedding altogether,” while Bertha Russell’s (Carrie Coon) cryptic line, “In this city, nothing stays hidden forever,” suggests that secrets will unravel with devastating consequences.

Marian and Larry’s romance has been a slow-burn highlight of the series, evolving from tentative flirtations in Season 1 to a heartfelt engagement in Season 3, Episode 5. However, their journey has not been without challenges. Season 3 saw their engagement falter when Marian, scarred by past romantic betrayals, ended things over a misunderstanding involving Larry’s whereabouts. Though they reconciled by the season’s end, the trailer suggests that new obstacles will test their bond further. Quick cuts of a mysterious envelope, Marian in tears outside a church, and Larry confronting an unknown figure in a dimly lit corridor hint at a scandal that could shake their relationship to its core.

The Secrets Threatening Their Love

What could these secrets be? The trailer offers tantalizing clues but no clear answers. One prominent theory among fans is that the mysterious envelope contains damaging information about Marian or Larry’s past. Social media posts on X speculate that it could reveal a hidden indiscretion or a family secret tied to the Russells or the van Rhijns. For instance, Bertha’s relentless ambition to secure her family’s place in high society might have entangled Larry in a scheme that Marian finds unforgivable. Alternatively, Marian’s own history—marked by financial ruin and romantic missteps—could resurface to jeopardize her standing.

Another possibility is that external forces, such as rival families or scorned suitors, are conspiring to derail the wedding. The trailer’s glimpse of a “mysterious guest” arriving at the ceremony has sparked speculation about their identity. Could it be a figure from Marian’s past, such as a former lover, or someone connected to Larry’s father, George Russell (Morgan Spector), whose own storyline involves investigating an assassination attempt from Season 3? The trailer’s tense glances and shattered glasses suggest that this guest’s presence will ignite drama among New York’s elite.

Societal Pressures and Family Dynamics

Beyond personal secrets, the trailer underscores the societal pressures that threaten Marian and Larry’s union. In the Gilded Age, marriages were as much about consolidating power and wealth as they were about love. Marian, from the old-money van Rhijn family, and Larry, from the nouveau riche Russells, represent a union that bridges two worlds—a match that not everyone in their circles supports. Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski), Marian’s traditionalist aunt, has historically disapproved of the Russells’ brash ambition, while Bertha’s scheming could complicate matters further. The trailer hints that Bertha’s “next big scheme” might involve Larry, potentially placing him at odds with Marian’s values.

The Russell family itself is in turmoil following Season 3’s finale, where George’s near-death experience led him to question his marriage to Bertha. His decision to leave her until he “figures out what he wants” sets up a fractured family dynamic that could impact Larry’s wedding plans. If George and Bertha’s separation escalates, Larry may find himself caught between his mother’s ambitions and his loyalty to Marian. Meanwhile, Gladys Russell’s (Taissa Farmiga) unexpected pregnancy and her evolving bond with the Duke of Buckingham add another layer of complexity, as the family’s focus shifts to new alliances and obligations.

Can Love Survive the Chaos?

The trailer’s central question—can Marian and Larry’s love survive?—resonates deeply with fans who have rooted for the couple, affectionately dubbed “Larian” on X. Harry Richardson, who plays Larry, has expressed optimism about their future, noting in an interview that their conflicts offer opportunities for growth. “Love, by its very nature, is very terrifying for the self because it’s a selfless act,” he said, highlighting the challenges of trust and communication that the couple must navigate. While their Season 3 reconciliation at the Newport ball was heartwarming, the trailer suggests that their commitment will be tested by external scandals and internal doubts.

Fans on X are divided on the couple’s prospects. Some, like @byeolhsh57, plead for Marian to “let Larry talk” and believe their love will triumph, while others, like @BlackWidow_221B, express frustration with Marian’s tendency to “create drama in her head.” The trailer’s imagery of Marian glowing as she walks with Larry suggests hope, but her tearful moment outside the church raises fears of heartbreak. The accepted rule of romantic storytelling suggests that Marian and Larry are destined to reunite, but The Gilded Age has never shied away from subverting expectations.

The Bigger Picture: Season 4’s High Stakes

The trailer also teases broader storylines that will intersect with Marian and Larry’s arc. Bertha’s pursuit of social dominance continues, with her “steely gaze” hinting at new power plays. George’s investigation into his assassination attempt may uncover enemies within their social circle, potentially tying back to the wedding’s mysterious guest. Meanwhile, other romances—such as Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) and Dr. William Kirkland’s (Jordan Donica) engagement and Oscar van Rhijn’s (Blake Ritson) pragmatic proposal to Enid Winterton—promise to add layers of intrigue. The trailer’s mention of a possible Downton Abbey crossover has also sparked excitement, though its relevance to Marian and Larry’s story remains unclear.

Conclusion: A Season of Romance and Ruin

The Gilded Age Season 4 promises to deliver the lavish costumes, high-stakes drama, and emotional depth that have made the series a hit. Marian and Larry’s wedding, poised to be a pinnacle of romance, is fraught with obstacles that threaten to tear them apart. From mysterious envelopes to societal schemes, the trailer paints a picture of a love story on the edge of ruin. Yet, the enduring appeal of “Larian” lies in their resilience and chemistry, which have carried them through past trials. As fans await the premiere, the question remains: will love conquer all, or will the secrets of New York’s elite prove too much to overcome? With Julian Fellowes at the helm, Season 4 is sure to be an unforgettable journey.