Netflix announced that the Bridgerton universe is expanding with a spin-off based on the origins of Queen Charlotte, played by Golda Rosheuvel in the Regency-era drama.
The as-yet-untitled prequel will focus on the rise and love life of a young Queen Charlotte, while also chronicling the stories of young Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury. Ruth Gemmell plays Violet, aka the beloved Bridgerton matriarch, while Adjoa Andoh plays the indomitable Lady Danbury.
Netflix’s Executive of Original Content Bela Bajaria said in a statement: “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.
“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. And by planning and prepping all the upcoming seasons now, we also hope to keep up a pace that will keep even the most insatiable viewers totally fulfilled.”
Shonda Rhimes will write the series and serve as executive producer alongside Betsy Beers and Tom Verica.
Here’s everything we know about the Queen Charlotte spin-off so far…
Queen Charlotte spin-off: Release date
Netflix confirmed the series last year, but the spin-off doesn’t have a title just yet, and no further cast has been announced. Adjoa Andoh recently shared an update at a press conference to reveal that the prequel is almost underway.
“We’re hoping it [the spin-off] answers that delicious question that we all have when you meet someone, you kind of think: ‘Who are they?’ and ‘How did they get to be this?'” the actress said.
“So that’s what Shonda [Rhimes] thrillingly is going to be sharing with the world. There are no scripts yet, there’s no shooting happening yet, but we know it’s coming and we’re all pretty excited.”
Ruth Gemmell, who plays Violet Bridgerton, said that her character’s backstory appears in one of the series of Bridgerton books by Julia Quinn, which could be used for inspiration. Nothing has been officially confirmed, however.
“We don’t know, we have no idea to date,” Gemmell said. “I mean, I know as far as the bridges and books are concerned, there’s a ninth book and in that, there’s some information about Violet’s history.
“Whether or not [Shonda Rhimes] draws on any of that for Violet and the others I don’t know either.”
We’ll keep you updated.
Queen Charlotte spin-off: The cast
So far we know that Golda Rosheuvel will be back as Queen Charlotte, Adjoa Andoh will return as Lady Danbury, and Ruth Gemmell will be back as Lady Violet. We don’t know yet who will be playing their younger counterparts, but we’re excited to find out. We’ll keep you posted.
Queen Charlotte spin-off: The plot
We know that the series will be Queen Charlotte’s origin story, and will detail her life and relationships when she was younger.
The prequel will also tell the stories of young Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury. We might find out more details about Edmund Bridgerton, Violet’s late husband, whose absence plays a huge part in series 1 and series 2 as Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) prepares to take on his patriarchal role.
We do know that Rupert Evans will play Edmund in the new series, “whose true love match with Violet Bridgerton gave them eight perfect children”. Perhaps the origin series might shed light on the couple’s courtship and life before their eight children.
We’ll have to wait and see who will be cast as the young Queen Charlotte, Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury.
