Regé-Jean Page’s Simon Basset was here for a good time, not a long time — and he says that’s how it was always intended it to be.
While news of theactor’s departurefromBridgertonafter just one season came as a shock to fans, Page, 31, recently toldVarietythat he never planned on returning. The role was originally pitched to him as a one-season commitment, he said, which was a big part of its appeal.
“It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end — give us a year,” said Page, who was only contracted for one season of the show, recounting his early conversations with producers about the role. “[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.”
Page — whoplayed Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings — said he was attracted to the idea ofBridgertonas essentially an anthology series, with each of the original books inJulia Quinn’s series focusing on a different love story.
Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor inBridgerton.Netflix
And with his character’s storyline complete, the actor is looking forward to seeing where the show goes next.
“I have nothing but excitement forBridgertoncontinuing to steam train off and conquer the globe,” he said. “But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing.”
Regé-Jean Page.LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX
“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,” the note read. “We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of theBridgertonfamily.”
The letter noted thatPhoebe Dynevor, who played the Duke’s love interest Daphne Bridgerton, will return: “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.”
Page addressed news onInstagram, calling his experience on the show 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,” he wrote. “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.”
A premiere date for season 2 ofBridgertonhas not yet been announced.
source: people.com
