Esteemed fans of the ‘Bridgerton’ franchise, who have binged over the series in 2020, there is yet another surprise for you. Apart from the exciting announcement that the fan favourite is being renewed for a third and fourth season, the streaming giant, Netflix and Shonda Rhimes added to the joy that the franchise will also be getting a spinoff on young Queen Charlotte.
The limited series will reveal the origin story of young Queen Charlotte. It will also follow the lives of Bridgerton siblings’ mother - Lady Violet Bridgerton, and Lady Danbury. Shonda had already hinted her fascination towards the character through a tweet in which she wrote, “Can't get enough of Queen Charlotte. She is FLAWLESS.” Reports suggest that the limited series will be written by Shonda Rhimes who will also executive produce.
In the Netflix press release, head of global TV Bela Bajaria said, “Many viewers had never known the story of Queen Charlotte before Bridgerton brought her to the world, and I’m thrilled this new series will further expand her story and the world of Bridgerton.” She added, “Shonda and her team are thoughtfully building out the Bridgerton universe so they can keep delivering for the fans with the same quality and style they love.”
"As we continue to expand the world of Bridgerton, we now have the opportunity to devote even more of the Shondaland fold to the Bridgerton-verse,” said Shonda in the release.
Reports suggest, that while Chris Van Dusen, who was the showrunner on season 1, is also overseeing the eagerly anticipated second season, Rhimes will oversee the Queen Charlotte spin-off series.
What’s the plot?
It will be the origin story of Queen Charlotte’s character which was played by actor Golda Rosheuvel in the original run series. It is expected that Netflix will delve into young Charlotte’s life and will have the plot revolving around her "rise and love life". It will also include the stories of Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury.
How is it important for the Bridgerton franchise?
The series will serve as a focused prequel to the events of Bridgerton. It will not only give a better insight to the now-Queen in the original series but will help the viewers with a better perspective about the Regency Era. Since Charlotte is not a character from Julia Quinn’s novels, the spinoff will set up a new timeline for the show's universe.
The cast?
The cast has not been announced yet. But, as it’s been announced that the spin-off will follow young Charlotte’s life, it would be safe to assume that the entire cast would be new.
When will it release?
Since the Season 2 of the original series already under production, it is hard to say when the spin-off will kick off or even release. Even though the two series will be independent of each other’s existence, especially when it comes to the production team, the makers are yet to divulge any news on that front. We’ll be sure to inform you as soon as we know. The press release also mentions that the 'official title and other details will be revealed at a later time'.
