Get ready for some more period-drama escapism! While we eagerly await season three of Bridgerton, there's also the prequel / spin-off, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, to get excited about too (one of many shows we can't wait to watch this year).
Telling the story of a young Queen Charlotte - arguably one of our favourite characters in Bridgerton - it will star India Amarteifio, who you might recognise from Line of Duty. Here's everything we know about the show so far...
What is the Bridgerton prequel going to be about?
The official Netflix plot reads: 'Centered on Queen Charlotte's rise to prominence and power, this Bridgerton-verse prequel tells the story of how the young Queen's marriage to King George sparked both a great love story and a societal shift, creating the world of the Ton inherited by the characters in Bridgerton.'
After attending an exclusive event launch, we have some more insider information about the show. Show-runner Shonda Rhimes explained that the show will delve into 'how the Bridgerton world came to be' and to tell a romantic story focusing on 'women of a certain age' through the characters of Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury and Violet Dowager (Viscountess Bridgerton.)
The showrunner revealed that Queen Charlotte will largely focus on the beginning of Charlotte and George’s romance, exploring the pair’s emotions of being 'married off to someone they do not know.' In an exclusive clip, Charlotte (Amarteifio) can be seen in a carriage with her brother Adolphus (Tunji Karim) discussing her reluctant 'duty to her country' when discussing her forthcoming marriage to the King of England.
However, the show will also explore the relationship between Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury. The story will follow a younger Lady Danbury as she counsels the Queen at the beginning of her marriage, as well as navigates her own match under the thumb of her much older husband, Lord Danbury (Cyril Nri).
Fans will also get to meet Violet Bridgerton's father. Shonda said, 'I really wanted to introduce her father because I really wanted to show viewers where Violet's belief in true love comes from - she had to have a really kind male role model in her life.'
WATCH Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story - Trailer
Get excited! A brand new trailer has been released and the internet is going wild. To see a glimpse of a young Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) watch below:
Who is going to be in the Bridgerton prequel?
We’re set to see a whole new cluster of young stars enter the Bridgerton universe – including some fan favourite characters return as their younger selves.
The series has found its leading lady in India Amarteifio (Line of Duty). The 21-year-old will play a young Queen Charlotte, as she navigates high society and faces her marriage to King George (Corey Mylchreest) - as well as other characters appearing in their younger years, including Lady Violet Bridgerton (Connie Jenkins-Greig).
'Shonda and evreyone at Netflix were clear that they didn’t want me to emulate Golda,' Amarteifio said on her preparation for the role of young Queen Charlotte. 'They were clear that this Charlotte is her own. I am in control of who she becomes. The writing is so strong that you do get glimmers of Queen Charlotte anyway.' She also reveals that we get to understand how Queen Charlotte became so brazen, strong and such a force. India adds, 'Coming into the Bridgerton fandom is very overwhelming and exciting.'
Mylchreest went on to explain that the 'beautiful' relationship between Charlotte and George is built on both royals 'experiencing oppression.' He added, 'On the Queen’s shoulders it’s much more systemic, and for George it’s on a much more familial and personal basis from the Crown, which for him is his family — but the stakes of that involve the entire country. These two people are constantly trying to escape their duty.'
And much to fans delight, Arsema Thomas will also be joining the Bridgerton family as a young Lady Agatha Danbury - a character who won fans over with her straight-talking advice.
And, dearest readers, don’t be sad about the prospect of not seeing your favourites on screen – Adjoa Andoh, Golda Rosheuvel and Ruth Gemmell will all be reprising their roles as Lady Danbury, Queen Charlotte and Lady Violet through the form of voiceovers and flash-forwards. It's the best of both worlds.
When is the Bridgerton prequel going to be released?
Shonda Rhimes told us herself that the highly anticipated prequel will be arriving on 4 May 2023!
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