The show, based on Julia Quinn’s series “Bridgerton,” is a romantic series that showcases the journey of the eight Bridgerton siblings as they find their way to love. “Bridgerton” was released on Christmas Day in 2020 and the first season focused on Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), the oldest daughter, as she attempts to find her husband.
Through a series of parties in search of love, Daphne finds herself losing “value” in the marriage market. She then crafts up a plan with “the hot duke,” Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page) to fool those around them into thinking they are in love.
Their love story gained a lot of attention from the “Bridgerton” audience and led it to be a huge hit on Netflix. It became the most-watched show ever on the streaming platform. However, the beloved and adored Regé-Jean Page announced on April 2, 2021, that his time as Simon has come to a close.
The news came as shock to fans and great disappointment. His character was highly loved by viewers for his mysterious charm, wit and handsome looks.
Page, however, feels content with his timely exit from the show. “One of the things that are different about this [romance] genre is that the audience knows the arc completes,” Page told Variety.
A lot of speculation surrounded the true reason behind Page’s departure, however, it was released that it is more complex than a simple reason.
The main reason why Page will not be featured in the upcoming season is simply due to the storyline. In the next season, based on the same trajectory of the novels, Page is just not a part of the plot. Page was offered a three-episode guest feature for $50,000 per appearance but declined.
Page is said to have known his part is short-lived during the show and has chosen to spend the next chapter of his career focusing on more “pivotal” roles, rather than just a few pop-ins.
So while it seems like Page’s departure will affect the show very little, it still left a pretty big dent in the hearts of the devoted Bridgerton fan base. People turned to TikTok and memes to get out the sadness they felt after hearing about the news.
If that’s you, don’t fret too much. From the looks of it, it seems like Page’s career in film is not ending anytime soon.
Season two of “Bridgerton” is already in the works. In the meantime, Page has wrapped up shooting “The Gray Man,” and will be filming in Ireland for “Dungeons & Dragons.”
Duke Simon Basset might not be masquerading alongside the Bridgertons anymore, but for Regé-Jean Page, there is more to come from him and his career. For “Bridgerton” the show must go on, but the fans will always remember the unique relationship between Simon and Daphne.
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