Regé-Jean Page will not be returning in his role in the Netflix series Bridgerton, saying he is satisfied with the fact that the show would "provide closure rather quickly."
Though the character of Simon continues to be a presence in author Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, he is no longer the primary focus as the stories shift to different family members
Regé-Jean Page is breaking his silence after it was announced on last April 3 that he was leaving Bridgerton after just one season.
The British actor, who quickly became one of the series’ breakout stars, will not be returning as the Duke of Hastings for Season 2 of Netflix’s steamy Regency drama.
Though the character of Simon continues to be a presence in author Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, he is no longer the primary focus as the stories shift to different family members.
Rege-Jean Page reiterated early conversations he had with Shondaland producers to Variety, stating, "It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year."
According to the actor, he was satisfied with the fact that the show would provide closure rather quickly — and that all of the tension, twists and turns tied to his character's romance would reach a resolution in one season.
Additionally, Page cited a theme that frequently runs through the romance genre, one that readers are already familiar with from the source material of the Bridgerton novels.
Even as one couple's love story is concluded by the end of one book, another couple takes center focus in the next:
"One of the things that is different about this genre is that the audience knows the arc completes. ... They come in knowing that, so you can tie people in emotional knots because they have that reassurance that we’re going to come out and we’re going to have the marriage and the baby."
Similar to anthologies, each Bridgerton season will present a different sibling’s love story, in line with the books by Julia Quinn.
Page commented on the format, sharing that “it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.”
As the conclusion of both the social season and the first season of Bridgerton, Simon and Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) got their happily ever after and welcomed a son into their life of luxury.
The show will now “roll on” without the Duke, as his future with his new family continues off-screen. Page feels content having stuck the landing, as he explained that he has “nothing but excitement for Bridgerton continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe.”
Season 1 of Bridgerton is currently streaming on Netflix, with a release date for Season 2 yet to be announced. (NP)
Tags: #Netflix, #Bridgerton