It has been reported that Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page has turned down the offer of returning to Bridgerton Season 2. Scroll down to know the reason!
Rege-Jean Page played the role of the witty and flamboyant Simon Basset also known as the Duke of Hastings in the first season of the hit regency show based in England, inspired by Julia Quinn’s book with the same name. All through the first season, Page’s character maintained a flirtatious bond with the show’s protagonist Daphne Bridgerton( Phoebe Dynevor) and eventually, the couple falls in love and marries, after fighting several hardships and misunderstandings. Ever since Bridgerton season 1 came out early this year, Page has become a fan favourite.
Why will Rege-Jean Page not return?
It was initially assumed that the reason why Page will not return to Bridgerton season 2, is because his arc was complete in the first season of the show itself.Bridgerton season 1 concludes with the end of the Duke’s story butthis is not the case. Page Six has reported that Page will not return to Bridgerton season 2 because of creative differences with ShondaRhimes(executive producer) and her team. Page was allegedly not happy with the writing of the second season and the lesser importance given to his character.
Ever since its premiere, Bridgerton has become a pop culture sensation. Netflix reported that the drama series has recorded more than 82 million views in the first month of its release. Which is humongous and makes it the biggest series Netflix has ever produced. The first season itself has created a huge, loyal fan base and has garnered huge attention on social media. The characters played by Page and Phoebe have also earned praise from critics and audience alike. The news of Page not returning has thus immensely disappointed the fans. Shonda Rhimes has also expressed her shock over the fact that the news of Rege-jean page not returning to Bridgerton season 2 has shocked the fans to such an extent.
What will Bridgerton season 2 have in store?
With Page leaving the Bridgerton family many fans have been speculating what the next step will be for the drama series. It is reported that Bridgerton season 2 and every season that follows will stick to its source material and focus on different siblings of the Bridgerton family. This means Daphne and the duke of Hastings will no longer be the focal plot of the story. However, their characters will continue to be acknowledged. Although Page has parted his ways, Dynevor will return to the second season.
There have been many theories related to who the next season will focus on and if the series follows the same course as it’s source material, the next main character will be Daphne’s older brother, Anthony Bridgerton. He can be seen navigating the social mores of upper class europe. An interesting new cast member who has been confirmed by Netflix, is the Sex Education Star Simone Ashley who will be seen playing Kate Sharma, the love interest of Anthony.
Page’s exit from the show has been unfortunate and his absence will surely be felt in the upcoming seasons. The fans are hoping for his comeback if Bridgerton continues to come up with new seasons. Nonetheless, the evolution of Anthony’s character as a protagonist in the second season is something that everyone is looking forward to.
