Author Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes work together for a Bridgerton prequel novel.
Avon Books, an imprint of the William Morrow Group at HarperCollins, has acquired the North American rights to a joint novel written by Bridgerton author Quinn and Rhimes, who is an executive producer of the Netflix original series, was announced Thursday.
The novel will be based on Rhimes’ forthcoming spin-off series that will detail the rise of Queen Charlotte and detail “how the young Queen’s marriage to King George sparked both an amazing love story and a societal shift, creating the world of the Ton inherited by the characters in Bridgerton†
The book’s publication will be timed to the release of the eight-part Netflix series — ordered by series last year – that will star India Amarteifio as the younger version of Charlotte. Golda Rosheuvel, who plays Queen Charlotte on Bridgertonwill reprise her role in the prequel series. Bridgerton stars Adjoa Andoh and Ruth Gemmell will also reprise their roles as Lady Agatha Danbury and Lady Violet Bridgerton, respectively.
“Queen Charlotte was such a touching character to write and now having the opportunity to work with Julia to turn this story into a book is such an amazing opportunity,” Rhimes said in a statement. “I can’t wait for fans of this universe to read the story of a character who resonates so deeply with our audience.”
Quinn added: “Take Bridgerton from book to screen was fascinating for me to watch, and it’s such an exciting challenge for me to take it the other way, this time turning Shonda’s brilliant vision into a novel. I am especially glad to have the opportunity to write about Queen Charlotte, who was not in the original novels. Her character — and Golda Rosheuvel’s brilliant portrayal of her — was a masterpiece, and I think readers will love the chance to get to know her better.”
Lyssa Keusch, Quinn’s longtime editor at Avon Books/William Morrow, said: “Queen Charlotte is a relatively understated yet fascinating historical figure, and this new, rich, witty and compelling novel is perfect for the millions of fans of the Shondaland/Netflix series. Bridgerton begging for more of this incomparable character.”
Next Bridgerton‘s second season premiere on March 25, the series set a Netflix English-language series record for viewing time on its opening weekend.
The following The love story of the third season will focus on Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).