‘Bridgerton’ Author Julia Quinn Addresses Season 2 Protagonist’s Name Change From Kate Sheffield to Kate Sharma

• “Bridgerton” writers changed Kate Sheffield’s last name to Sharma to reflect her Indian heritage.

• Author Julia Quinn called the decision “exceptional” and said it was executed in an “authentic way”.

• Writers of Indian origin brought elements of their own stories to the character, she told Insider.

Julia Quinn, the romance novelist behind the love stories that inspired “Bridgerton,” is completely on board with the changes the show’s writers made to her character Kate Sheffield.

Season two of the Netflix series will loosely follow the 51-year-old’s second “Bridgerton” novel, “The Viscount Who Loved Me” (2002), which delves into the romance between enemy lovers Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sheffield.

In keeping with the reimagined and diverse version of early 19th century London that creator Chris Van Dusen brought to life in the first season, the show’s writers opted to give Kate an Indian background in the script, dropping the nickname Sheffield in favor of Sharma, a common surname in India.

“I love the changes they’ve made,” Quinn recently told Insider while discussing her new book, “The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton: Lady Whistledown’s Official Guide,” published Tuesday by HarperCollins.

The show’s casting team selected Simone Ashley, a 26-year-old British actress of Indian origin, to lead the season as Kate.

Quinn added: “Simone Ashley is perfect as Kate.”

The author relinquished creative control shortly after talks of a Shondaland adaptation began, but still serves as a consultant on the series. She told Insider that she was informed of the changes in season two before they were announced to the public in February.

Quinn called the decision to introduce Sharma as Kate’s surname a “wonderful way to make the show more inclusive”, adding that “there is quite a lot of historical background” about the relationship between India and England in the early 19th century .

“It makes a lot of sense. I think it’s great,” she said.

Since season two, it’s been a priority for the “Bridgerton” team to make sure Kate’s story is both accurate and personal. Writers of Indian origin were heavily involved in creating the screen version of the character.

“I loved that they were able to do it in a really authentic way,” Quinn said. “They were able to bring authenticity and elements of their own stories to it that I couldn’t have done as well myself. I’m very grateful that they’re able to take the story and expand it in this way.”

The author added: “One of the smartest things you can do in life is recognize when other people are smarter and have more expertise than you and get out of their way, which I did.”

Read the original article on Insider