Bridgerton Prequel Spin-Off, Centered On Young Lady Violet, Ordered At Netflix
Another key character in the "Bridgerton" universe is getting the prequel treatment.
Netflix announced on Thursday that it has ordered a "Bridgerton" spin-off series that will focus on a young version of Bridgerton family matriarch Lady Violet.
The as-yet-untitled prequel, which is billed as a limited series, will "chronicle the early life of a young Lady Violet and tell the story of her romance with Viscount Edmund Bridgerton," per the official synopsis. Casting for Lady Violet's younger counterpart has yet to be announced; on the mothership series, Ruth Gemmell has played Lady Violet for all four seasons thus far.
Shonda Rhimes and Nicholas Nardini will serve as writers, executive producers, and co-showrunners of the Lady Violet project, while Betsy Beers and Tom Verica will also exec-produce (and Verica will direct).
The announcement of Netflix's Lady Violet offshoot comes more than three years after the release of "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story," a prequel that similarly told the story of a young Queen Charlotte's (India Amarteifio) relationship with King George III (Corey Mylchreest).
What's next for Bridgerton?
Back in March, Netflix confirmed that Season 5 of "Bridgerton" would center on introverted middle daughter Francesca (now played by Hannah Dodd), while Season 6 will focus on Claudia Jessie's Eloise.
"Two years after losing her beloved husband John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons," the Season 5 logline reads. "But when John's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza) returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Fran's complicated feelings will have her questioning whether to stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions."
Baduza's Michaela — a gender-flipped version of book character Michael Stirling — is described as "charming" and "vivacious," though her exterior is hiding "a vulnerable young woman who is quick to run the second she feels discomfort."
"Bridgerton" Season 5 is slated for a 2027 release, though an exact date has yet to be announced.
Will you be watching Netflix's Lady Violet-centric spin-off? Who should play the young version of the character? Tell us below!