5 Key Takeaways from Disney+’s New Bonkbuster Trailer

Disney+ is set to bring a new steamy drama to screens with its upcoming adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s scandalous novel ‘Rivals’. While ‘Bridgerton’ may have captured audiences with its lavish settings and romantic entanglements, ‘Rivals’ is gearing up to offer its own dose of aristocratic intrigue and passion.

For those unfamiliar with Jilly Cooper and the world of ‘bonkbuster’ literature, which saw authors like Cooper, Jackie Collins, and Shirley Conran dominate the bestseller lists with their tales of high society scandals and romantic escapades, this small-screen revival promises to be a splashy introduction to the genre.

The upcoming series, consisting of eight episodes, is being likened to iconic 1980s American TV dramas like ‘Dynasty’ and ‘Dallas’. However, instead of corporate power struggles and oil barons, ‘Rivals’ will delve into the world of British media, politics, and aristocracy, where ambition and desire collide in a whirlwind of schemes and seduction.

One of the central characters in ‘Rivals’ is Rupert Campbell-Black, a charming yet roguish Tory MP portrayed by Alex Hassell. Known for his womanizing ways, Campbell-Black is a recurring figure in Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles, adding a touch of political intrigue and scandal to the narrative.

The series is also set to revive a surprising fashion trend – the perm. With a contemporary take on 1980s style and social dynamics, ‘Rivals’ promises to explore themes of class, race, sex, and wealth against the backdrop of a decadent era where the privileged few lived without boundaries.

David Tennant takes on the role of Lord Baddingham, the conniving antagonist with a penchant for power and manipulation. Sporting tweed suits and a slicked-back hairstyle, Tennant’s portrayal of the wealthy TV mogul promises to add a touch of villainy to the series.

Aidan Turner, known for his roles in ‘Poldark’ and ‘The Hobbit’, steps into the character of Declan O’Hara, a charismatic TV presenter caught in the midst of the power struggles between Campbell-Black and Baddingham. With a moustache and a magnetic presence, Turner’s performance is sure to captivate audiences as the tension between the characters unfolds.

As the trailer for ‘Rivals’ teases a world of scandal, ambition, and rivalry set to a backdrop of 1980s glamour, viewers can expect a blend of romance, drama, and intrigue in this upcoming Disney+ series. With a stellar cast and a plot filled with twists and turns, ‘Rivals’ looks set to captivate audiences with its tale of love, power, and betrayal.