To the thrill of fans, Netflix announced in May 2021 that the Bridgerton world would expand with a spin-off series based on the dynamic Queen Charlotte. Now titled Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, the series, set as a prequel to the current Bridgerton storyline, will be a limited series consisting of eight episodes. Set to tell the origin story of Queen Charlotte, the new prequel will focus on the friendship between the Queen, Lady Bridgerton, and Lady Danbury. As a character who was loved by viewers from the get-go, the news that Queen Charlotte would be getting her own series generated a considerable amount of buzz among fans.

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With the Queen not being a primary focus in the Bridgerton novels already authored by Julia Quinn, the story of the queen appears to still be a mystery. However, Quinn and Shonda Rhimes will be teaming up for the production of the prequel, with Avon Books announcing a new work focused on Queen Charlotte and her rise to power. While a few details regarding the plot and cast members who will be included in the sequel have been made public for now, excited fans still haven’t received a trailer for the prequel.

However, at Netflix’s TUDUM event in September, a first-look clip for Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story was launched. With fans over the moon at their first glimpse into the queen’s origin story, here’s some of what they had to say on social media.

Thrilled About the Bridgerton Spin-Off

     Netflix 

The dominant reaction to the first-look clip was absolute excitement for the prequel. With the loyal following that the Bridgerton series has gained over the years, fans have constantly yearned for a storyline exploring a few other characters on the show. A popular character that fans had placed high on the priority list of characters who should get their own spin-off was the intriguing Queen Charlotte.

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Now that the opportunity to finally delve into a narrative about who exactly Queen Charlotte is and how she evolved to become the dynamic character we see in the Bridgerton series is here, fans can barely contain their excitement. A definite release date for the series not being confirmed yet has added to the frustration of fans. Taking to Twitter, user @queenbremx said:

The short clip was more than enough to send fans into a frenzy of wanting the prequel to come out as soon as possible. @Piscesgirl107 took to Twitter to write:

“I cannot wait why do y’all have to do us like this, 😩 when is this coming out ?!?!?”

Perfect Casting for the Prequel

The first look launched at TUDUM gave fans a good look at some of the characters appearing in the spin-off. The reactions on social media confirm that fans are extremely satisfied with the casting decisions taken by the creative team and are appreciative of the consideration that has gone into ensuring that the actress for young Queen Charlotte realistically resembles the Queen Charlotte that fans are familiar with from the Bridgerton series. Twitter user @sagevalentine commended the casting choices, saying:

“I’m going to go feral for this! Less than 2 minutes of a clip and I’ve already sold my soul!!!

@bridgerton please make Haste for season 3!!”

Instagram user @annikadw also commented on how the talented India Amarteifio, who has been cast to play the young Queen Charlotte, is able to execute the queen’s expressions and mannerisms. “I’m obsessed w this casting,” they wrote in an Instagram comment. @anapereyra05 was also appreciative of the casting directors’ decisions, writing:

“The resemblance between India and Golda. Perfect casting. #bridgerton3 #tudum”

A Tinge of Grief

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Despite the happiness and excitement that has predominantly existed in relation to news of the prequel, a few fans have also been quite sad at their glimpse of the young King. This is owing to the fact that Bridgerton viewers are familiar with the King’s plight at an older age. Seeing the young and vibrant King in the first-look clip for the prequel while already knowing his fate has brought a fair tinge of grief to the Queen Charlotte spin-off. “I know this love story is going to hurt like Hell,” wrote Instagram user @otpheartattack.

“OMG!!!!! Casting directors are doing their job so fantastically! WTH! She’s perfect for that role! I’m so in love can’t wait 😍”

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Similarly, @the.rianna wrote:

@betsybon.macaron also took to Instagram to share their thoughts on what the events of the prequel may mean, given that fans already know the end result.

“I love them already, but now I’m sad because I know what happens in the end with the King 😢”

Concern About Casting

Although the show has received multiple commendations on its inclusive casting decisions, a concern that has plagued the Bridgerton series since its first season has been the decision of the creative team to incorporate diversity into its cast list despite the story being set in Regency-era England. Now that the prequel has chosen to focus on a character of color, the decision has attracted a share of criticism from viewers. @FrogmoreR, writing on Twitter, said:

“Nooooo this is going to make the present timeline more painful because this looks so cute🥺💔”

Raising concerns regarding the authenticity of portraying people of color in authoritative roles in the period in which the prequel is set, @DiscoShaman tweeted:

“This casting is certainly going to cause consternation in certain quarters if their reaction to Black Santa Clause, Black mermaids & other mythical creatures is anything to go by!”

Regardless of the varying reactions towards the spin-off, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is definitely a prequel that fans of the Bridgerton series are looking forward to with much anticipation. However, with no release date for the new series set at the time of writing, fans may have to curb their excitement for just a little longer. With production for Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story being underway, it is likely that we might see the show released sometime in 2023.

“Still can’t wrap my head around black people and that too in positions of privilege in Victorian Britain.”