Get ready, dear reader, because Shonda Rhimes is dropping hints about which 'Bridgerton' favourite might be next in line for a spinoff.
During a recent appearance on the 'Glass Half Full' podcast, the executive producer confirmed that there are definitely more projects in the works following the massive success of the Queen Charlotte prequel. She told host Craig Melvin that the team is very excited about expanding the universe and feels there is a lot of rich history left to explore.
Shonda Rhimes's Next Pick
When asked who might take centre stage next, Shonda Rhimes pointed directly to the 'Bridgerton' matriarch, Violet. She explained that she has always felt Violet would be a perfect candidate to lead her own story, making a prequel centred on her a very real possibility.
Image Courtesy: Netflix
The foundation for such a story already exists in the original books, as author Julia Quinn previously touched on Violet's romance with her late husband, Edmund, in a 2013 novella. However, Quinn has been hesitant to write a full-length novel about them, admitting on her website that it feels too bittersweet given Edmund's early and tragic death.
While she is touched that fans want Violet to find a second chance at love, Quinn confessed that she struggled to imagine anyone who was truly good enough for the character.
Violet's Life in 'Bridgerton' Season 4
On the show, fans recently watched Violet's own love life take a turn in Season 4 when she began a romance with Lord Anderson. However, the couple ultimately went their separate ways by the finale. Showrunner Jess Brownell explained to Entertainment Weekly that watching her daughter Francesca deal with the loss of her own husband made Violet reflect on her past.
After years of being a single parent and putting her children first, the writers felt it was important for Violet to finally prioritise herself.
Image Courtesy: Netflix
Brownell noted that while the romance with Marcus was a positive step, the breakup happened because Violet still has some personal growing to do. Before she commits to anyone else, the show wants her to focus on her own independence and simply enjoy her life for a while.
You can catch all of Season 4 streaming on Netflix now to see how her journey unfolds.
