EXCLUSIVE | Bridgerton's Martins Imhangbe says Shondaland adaptation shows a London 'we should've known about'
Christmas 2020 may be an indoor one this year, but not to worry since Shondaland's 'Bridgerton' is set to release on Netflix in all its scandalous dramatic glory. The series is an adaptation from Julia Quinn's novels that follow the Bridgerton siblings as they navigate London's high society in the 1800s. The first season of 'Bridgerton' is based on the first book of the series, 'The Duke and I', and follows the story of the eldest Bridgerton sister, Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. The period drama is a treat for those that loved the novels and has been described to met a combination of 'Downton Abbey' and 'Gossip Girl'. In an exclusive interview with MEAWW, actor Martins Imhangbe who plays the role of Will Mondrich reveals a bit about the series and what audiences should expect from it.
Imhangbe revealed that he plays the role of an "up and coming boxer", Will Mondrich, which he said is "loosely based on the boxer Bill Richmond". "Through Boxing Will is climbing London's strict social hierarchy. He is also very close friends with The Duke," said the actor. 'Bridgerton' features a backdrop of 19th century England with an appreciated diverse cast, so we asked Imhangbe what went through his mind as he accepted the ole of Mondrich, how he thinks the audiences would react to it, and what impact would it have on representation. The actor said he was "really proud and excited" when he took the role and that he thought of it as a "gift" since it was his screen debut. "I had never heard of Bill Richmond before but his story was inspiring and I felt honored. It really felt like the London we all should’ve known about and learned in school, a society that was multicultural where nonwhite people had a presence that was not just filled with oppression. Real people going through universal real-life things, you know. I hope viewers are inspired and are willing to view the world we live in through a diverse lens and see beyond negative prejudice," added the actor.