Culture May 4, 2023

Shonda Rhimes and more on what to expect in 'Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story'

WATCH: Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers write new 'Bridgerton' book

The wait is over for "Bridgerton" fans: The latest installment in the franchise, "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story," has arrived.

In advance of the highly anticipated series' debut, creator Shonda Rhimes, along with some of the show's cast members, shed light on what fans can expect.

MORE: 'Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story' gets release date, teaser trailer

Rhimes recently told Entertainment Tonight that the new series, which delves deeper into the background of how Charlotte became queen, is a "very different show in terms of tone," compared to "Bridgerton."

"It's fun and it's funny and it's sexy and witty, but it also has serious issues that they're dealing with and you're watching women come into their power, which is really the essence of the show," she told the outlet.

The accomplished creator and showrunner also dished that the show will not shy away from the topic of race and, in regards to King George's story, mental health.

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"It was incredibly important to infuse the narrative with these themes mainly because the character that we're talking about, Queen Charlotte, [we] already created a very simple backstory for her on Bridgerton," Rhimes explained. "Their love united the countries is the explanation for the society and I really wanted to explore that part because what does that actually mean?"

Corey Mylchreest, who plays young King George in the series, told "Good Morning America" at the world premiere screening event in Los Angeles last week that viewers should expect "lots of turbulence" in the upcoming series.

"Also unconditional love," he shared on what to expect. "Lots of barriers being broken down, lots of pushback."

"They really, really love each other and it's very, very difficult because of some demons that one of the two of them is battling with," he said.

Golda Rosheuvel, who portrays the older Queen Charlotte in the spinoff as well as the original "Bridgerton" series, said love and romance is something for which she is an "advocate," adding that the new series reflects that.

"I think it's a really great thing to have in one's life and in the world," she said.

Rosheuvel also weighed in on what fans will take away from seeing Charlotte and George's relationship unfold on screen.

"I think it's about resilience and seeing a couple that really independently know themselves," she said. "But when they come together are like this powerhouse of humanity and love and friendship and dedication and understanding of what they have in store as a couple."

"Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" is available to stream on Netflix now.