Regé-Jean Page’s Bridgerton Departure: Unpacking the Duke of Hastings’ Absence in Season 2 and Beyond
The highly anticipated return of Bridgerton for its second season brought with it a renewed buzz of Regency-era romance and scandal. While the focus shifted to the eldest Bridgerton sibling, Anthony, and his quest for love with the formidable Kate Sharma, many fans found themselves asking a pressing question: where was the beloved Duke of Hastings? Regé-Jean Page, the charismatic British actor who captivated audiences as Simon Basset in the first season, was notably absent from the second installment, a decision that sent ripples through the show’s massive fanbase.
His departure left a significant void, especially considering the undeniable chemistry between his character and Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne Bridgerton. Despite the Duke’s absence, Daphne did return to Mayfair, navigating the social season and supporting her family. The show quickly addressed Simon’s whereabouts, ensuring that the couple’s fairytale ending remained intact, even if he wasn’t physically present on screen. This article delves into the details surrounding Regé-Jean Page’s decision to leave the show, how his character was written out of Bridgerton season 2, and the likelihood of his return in future seasons, offering a comprehensive look at one of the most talked-about exits in recent television history.
Is Regé-Jean Page In Bridgerton Season 2? Addressing Simon Basset’s Absence
To the disappointment of many, Regé-Jean Page did not make an appearance in Bridgerton season 2. While hopes were high among fans for at least a cameo or surprise return, the Duke of Hastings remained entirely off-screen. The show wasted no time in explaining his absence, addressing the matter in the very first moments of the season 2 premiere, thereby setting the stage for Daphne’s standalone involvement in the new social season.
In a scene where the Bridgerton family eagerly gathers around Eloise’s room in anticipation of her debut, Daphne makes her entrance. She succinctly explains her circumstances, stating, “Do you realize that I left my husband and child at home for this?” This casual yet crucial line clarifies that Simon, the Duke of Hastings, is at home in Clyvedon, attending to his ducal duties and caring for their infant son, August. The narrative cleverly establishes that while Daphne, as a Bridgerton, must be present to support her sister Eloise during her momentous debut before Queen Charlotte, Simon’s responsibilities keep him tied to their estate.
Daphne’s role in season 2 largely involves providing counsel and support to her siblings, particularly Anthony, as he navigates his own romantic entanglements. She is seen at various social events and family gatherings throughout the season, sometimes accompanied by young August, but never by Simon. This narrative decision maintains the integrity of their relationship, implying they are still happily married and devoted parents, while simultaneously allowing the plot to advance without the Duke’s physical presence. It underscores that being the Duke of Hastings is indeed a demanding position, requiring his full attention away from the bustling London social scene, a convenient and logical explanation for his absence.
Why Did Regé-Jean Page Not Return To Bridgerton? The One-Season Arc Explained
Regé-Jean Page’s portrayal of Simon Basset, the enigmatic Duke of Hastings, was undoubtedly one of the breakout performances of Bridgerton’s inaugural season. His intense gaze, captivating charm, and powerful acting made him an instant fan favorite, leading to widespread shock and disappointment when it was announced in April 2021 that he would not be reprising his role for season 2.
The official announcement from Netflix and Shondaland provided a bittersweet farewell: “While all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to Regé-Jean Page, who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings. We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family. Daphne will remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season and what it has to offer — more intrigue and romance than my readers may be able to bear.” This statement clearly indicated the show’s direction, shifting focus as the book series dictates, while affirming the lasting impact of Page’s character.
Page himself shed light on his decision in an interview with Variety. He revealed that his involvement with the show was always conceived as “a one-season arc.” According to the actor, the appeal of the role lay in its defined trajectory: “It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year… [I thought] ‘That’s interesting,’ because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.” This perspective aligns perfectly with Julia Quinn’s original book series, where each novel centers on a different Bridgerton sibling’s romance, with previous protagonists taking more of a background role.
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Page also took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with fans regarding his departure. He wrote, “The ride of a lifetime. It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke. Joining this family – not just on screen, but off screen too. Our incredibly creative and generous cast, crew, outstanding fans – it’s all been beyond anything I could have imagined. The love is real and will just keep growing.” This message, while appreciative, solidified that his time as Simon Basset had indeed come to an end.
Executive producer Shonda Rhimes, a driving force behind Bridgerton’s success, acknowledged the strong fan reaction to Regé-Jean’s departure but fully supported his decision. In an interview with Variety, Rhimes explained her perspective: “He’s an enormous star now. As I like to say, the idea that we would write Regé to stand around in the background doesn’t make any sense at all to me. ‘What would he do’ is what I like to say…Rightfully, he said, ‘I signed up to do this one lovely story, this closed-ended storyline. I’m good!’ And I don’t blame him for that. I think that he was really smart to leave the perfection as the perfection.”
Rhimes’s comments highlight a key aspect of the show’s adaptation strategy. Each season of Bridgerton is designed to mirror Julia Quinn’s novels, focusing on a different Bridgerton sibling’s journey to find love. Simon and Daphne’s story, including their challenges and eventual triumph, was comprehensively explored and resolved in the first season, much like the first book, “The Duke and I.” To keep Page on the show in a diminished capacity would not only undermine his character’s completed arc but also detract from the central romance of subsequent seasons. This strategic narrative choice allows the Bridgerton universe to expand and introduce new compelling love stories, while honoring the integrity of each individual character’s journey.
Will Regé-Jean Page Return In Season 3? Exploring Future Possibilities
With Bridgerton already renewed for seasons 3 and 4, the future of the series is secure, but the question of Regé-Jean Page’s potential return continues to surface among fans. Following the pattern established by the first two seasons and the source material, these upcoming installments are expected to shift focus to other Bridgerton siblings. If the show adheres to the order of Julia Quinn’s books, season 3 will likely center on Benedict Bridgerton, followed by Colin Bridgerton in season 4.
While the prospect of Regé-Jean Page reprising his role as the Duke of Hastings is a comforting thought for many, it remains highly unlikely. His career has soared since his breakthrough performance in Bridgerton, making him one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. The actor recently completed work on the major Netflix action film The Gray Man, where he starred alongside Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, further solidifying his status as a leading man. He has also been cast in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
Beyond these confirmed projects, Page’s name has frequently been mentioned in discussions surrounding the next James Bond, indicating the significant trajectory of his career. With such a busy schedule and a clear focus on diverse and challenging roles that allow him to showcase his versatility, returning to Bridgerton for a brief, secondary appearance seems improbable. His decision to move on from the show was a strategic career move that aligned with his desire to explore new opportunities and avoid being typecast. The show, in turn, has demonstrated its ability to thrive by focusing on the rich tapestry of the Bridgerton family and their individual stories.
Ultimately, while Regé-Jean Page’s captivating performance as the Duke of Hastings will always be a cherished part of Bridgerton’s legacy, his departure was a mutual decision that made sense for both the actor’s burgeoning career and the series’ evolving narrative structure. Fans can continue to enjoy the expanding Bridgerton universe, embracing the new romances and intrigues, while following Page’s impressive journey through Hollywood’s biggest productions. The magic of Simon and Daphne’s love story endures, even if the Duke himself has gracefully exited the ballroom.