As we count down the days until Shonda Rhimes’ glorious world of extravagant balls, colourful gowns and steamy escapades returns, there’s one question every Bridgerton fan wants the answer to.
WATCH: Bridgerton Season 2 | Official Trailer
After making quite a mark in season one as the leading man Simon, Duke of Hastings, Regé-Jean Page has been noticeably absent from any trailers or promo photos ahead of the second season. And there’s a pretty easy explanation: he’s not coming back.
Though he was a fan-favourite, Regé-Jean only signed on to film one season because Simon doesn’t really have any major storylines after that. He knew this, because Bridgerton is based on a series of novels by Julia Quinn, so the source material was already there.
“It’s a one-season arc. 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,” he said of his role as the beloved Duke.
As we mentioned, Bridgerton is based on a series and each novel centers on a different sibling and their love life. Season One was all about Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and her man, Simon, and was based on the first novel The Duke and I.
The second season is placing the attention on Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and his new love interest, Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), as per the second book The Viscount Who Loved Me.
In the second novel, Daphne and Simon aren’t really mentioned all that much. However, the series shows a great deal more of its side characters than the books, so Shonda did ask Regé-Jean to return – an offer he declined, much to our dismay.
“Rightfully, he said, ‘I signed up to do this one lovely story, this closed-ended storyline. I’m good!'” she told Variety. “And I don’t blame him for that. I think that he was really smart to leave the perfection as the perfection.”
For his part, the actor revealed he’d be moving on to other projects and felt there was “value” in completing the character’s story.
“I have nothing but excitement for Bridgerton continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe,” he said. “But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing.”
The news was confirmed to fans in the Bridgerton way; with a letter from Lady Whistledown. Shared to the show’s social media pages, the note revealed he would be moving on.
“Dear Readers, 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 message began.
“We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family,” it continued. “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.”
Our sincere apologies to everyone who wanted to see Simon lick another spoon. But, from what we’ve heard, Season 2 will still live up to the hype!
Here’s everything you need to know about the second season of Bridgerton.
Season 1 of Bridgerton is streaming on Netflix now. Season 2 is due to premiere on March 25, 2022.
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