Fans of “Bridgerton,” it’s time to say goodbye to Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Regé-Jean Page’s character will not be returning to the show’s forthcoming second season, Netflix and Shondaland revealed on Friday.
Bridgerton’s Fan Favorite Duke Regé
The news was delivered in classic Bridgerton fashion by none other than the series’s intrepid Lady Whistledown. “Your Grace, it has been a pleasure,” she wrote on Bridgerton’s Twitter account in response to her announcement.
Your Grace, it has been a pleasure. ???????? pic.twitter.com/kX1nIG8pz7
— Bridgerton (@bridgerton) April 2, 2021
On Twitter, Page replied. “It’s been both, a privilege and a pleasure to be here!” He wrote, “It’s an honor to be a part of the family–on and off-screen, cast, crew, and amazing fans–the love is real and will only grow.”
Page Will be Mentioned in Season 2 of Bridgerton but won’t be making an Appearance
According to sources, Page’s contract was only for one season, and the intention was always for him to only do Season 1, which was based on the first Bridgerton novel, The Duke And I. His character will be mentioned in the future, but he will not appear. Dynevor’s Daphne will remain in the series as a Bridgerton, according to Lady Whistledown.
In reality, Page tells Variety exclusively that the role’s short-term dedication was a major part of its appeal.
“It’s just a one-season story.” Page recalls early talks with Shondaland producers, who asked him about the part of Simon after “For the People” wrapped up, saying, “It’s going to have a beginning, middle, and end – give us a year.” “I said to myself, ‘That’s odd,’ because it seemed like a limited series at the time.’ I get to come in and do my part, and then the Bridgerton family continues.”
The actor goes on to say that he enjoys the fact that “Bridgerton” is basically an anthology, with each book (and subsequent season) focusing on a different sibling’s love story.
As a result, the dashing duke’s on-screen storyline concludes with the birth of their first child, a boy, which solidifies Simon and Daphne’s love story (and the duke’s daddy issues). Page’s tenure in the Regency period has come to an end off-screen as well, as the actor was only signed on for one season of the show.
“Bridgerton” got a perfect score of ten. The romance show has been a huge success for Netflix, with the streaming service announcing that 82 million households watched all eight episodes in the first month since it premiered on Christmas Day.
Page described his time on the show as the ride of a lifetime on social media.
The show has also received positive reviews. Page won the NAACP Image Award for outstanding actor in a drama series last week, making him the series’ first acting award winner.
The cast of “Bridgerton” has been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding ensemble performance in a drama series, and Page has been nominated for a SAG Award for his performance.
According to Lady Whistledown’s update, the show’s second season will concentrate on Anthony (played by Jonathan Bailey), the eldest of the Bridgerton clan, and his search for love based on the second book in Quinn’s series “The Viscount Who Loved Me”.
Stay tuned with Stanford Arts review for latest updates.
