Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story: Release Date, Cast, And More

For everyone experiencing a "Bridgerton"-sized void in their lives since season 2 wrapped up in March last year, there's plenty to look forward to with the franchise cranking out new installments. Aside from seasons 3 and 4, which have already been ordered by the streamer, Netflix's latest addition to the "Bridgerton" franchise is a prequel series centered on Queen Charlotte's rise to prominence and power. The show is already shaping up to be an exciting expansion of the "Bridgerton" universe as evidenced by a first glimpse video shared by Netflix. Now, while the clip might not contain the usual steamy bodice-ripping in the middle of a rain-soaked field, there's a charming, romantic meet-cute between Queen Charlotte and King George when he finds her trying to escape an arranged marriage situation dangerously. 

Here's all we know about the show including its cast, release date, trailer, and more!

"Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" explores the Queen's betrothal to King George. The official synopsis of the story reads: 

"Centred on Queen Charlotte's rise to prominence and power, this Bridgerton-verse prequel tells the story of how the young Queen's marriage to King George sparked both a great love story and a societal shift, creating the world of the Ton inherited by the characters in Bridgerton."

The series will serve as Queen Charlotte's origin story. Portrayed by Golda Rosheuvel in the "Bridgerton" universe, the character has been loved and adored by fans for her opulent style and for being the most influential figure of the Ton — and one we know very little about. The prequel will change that, allowing fans to firsthand witness the Ton's first real romance.

"Bridgerton" stars Golda Rosheuval (Queen Charlotte), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), and Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton) will reprise their roles in the new spin-off. The younger versions of their characters include actress India Amarteifio ("Line of Duty") as the young Charlotte and Corey Mylchreest ("The Sandman") as the Young King George.

Arsema Thomas will be playing the young Agatha Danbury, Cyril Nri is Lord Danbury, and Connie Jenkins-Greig will step into the role of the young Lady Violet, who we will learn about before she becomes a Bridgerton. Michelle Fairley portrays Princess Augusta, Sam Clemmett will play Young Brimsley (who grows up to become the Queen's right-hand man), Richard Cunningham is playing Lord Bute, and Tunji Kasim is Adolphus. Other cast members include Keir Charles and Katie Brayben, who will star as Lord Ledger and Vivian Ledger, Lady Violet's parents.

There isn't a trailer for "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" yet — but Netflix has released a teaser that brings the future Queen and King together in an incredible meet-cute. King George discovers the feisty, rebellious young Lady Charlotte as she prepares to climb over a wall to escape marrying the King ... who she describes as a possible "troll" since she knows nothing about him. She unknowingly tries to recruit her suitor — the King himself to help her escape her distressful circumstances when it is revealed that she was conversing with the King the whole time. And there's nothing for her to worry about, because he is anything but a troll.

The chemistry between Amarteifio and Mylchreest is terrific — and although the clip is short, it sets up the series incredibly and makes it worth the wait. There can never be too many period romances, and this one is perfectly resonant with how "Bridgerton" flawlessly incorporates Austen-esque elements: awkward but endearing encounters, a sense of realism, characters who stand for what they believe in, and of course, romance. Then there's the "Gossip Girl" aspect of it ... which we can expect to see when the show ... or let's say, the trailer arrives. The clip is a wonderful example of the romance, the pining, the angst, and the tension that awaits when the show will arrive on Netflix on May 4.