ndsCalling all Bridgerton fans. Lady Whistledown is back with a major announcement, and it's unlike anything we could have expected. Bridgerton is adding a limited-series prequel to its empire and we have never been more excited.
Back in March last year Netflix announced that it would be working again with Shondaland to create a prequel to the highly-successful franchise; focusing on the origins and love life of Queen Charlotte. We finally have a release date, and it's coming sooner than you think on May 4th. The portrayal of the famous monarch, played by Golda Rosheuvel, is one of the few accurately historical inclusions in the series – alongside King George III and Prince Frederick of Prussia.
Rhimes told Netflix, “I loved delving into the romance between Charlotte and King George.” The spinoff explores two themes she’s enjoyed toying with throughout her career: love and power. ““I want people to feel like this is what happens with real love. Love is hard. Love is difficult. Love has many layers,” says Rhimes. “The idea that the happy ending that we always talk about for characters doesn’t have to be the obvious one.”
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What else do we know?
In addition to the Queen Charlotte storyline, the Bridgerton prequel will also highlight the upbringing and backstories of both a young Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton. If you're a fan of the original book series, you would know that author Julia Quinn has already briefly touched on Violet's younger self; in her second epilogue, "Violet in Bloom," from The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After.
The actresses playing baby-faced versions of Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury have just been announced. West End actress India Amarteifio has been tapped for the role of the Ton's Leo Queen, with Corey Mylchreest signing on as a teenage King George. Meanwhile, recent London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) graduate Arsema Thomas is bringing a youthful (and no doubt riotously fun) Lady Danbury to our screens.
Here in all its splendour and glory, we give you Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story teaser. The trailer opens with a young Charlotte meeting George with the two of them being seated on the throne. We begin to see the struggles faced by the queen as the teaser rolls on. It becomes clear that Charlotte struggles to navigate her highly publicized interracial relationship. “Your marriage is the business of this country,” an elder reminds her that she is “the first of her kind.” We honestly can't wait to see what Shonda Rhimes has in store for us with this one.
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