Even an Emmy Nomination Can’t Secure Regé-Jean Page’s Return to ‘Bridgerton’ for Season 2
Regé-Jean Page has made it clear that he will not be returning for Bridgerton Season 2. The 31-year-old actor played Simon Basset, the handsome Duke of Hastings and love interest of Daphne Bridgerton. Fans were disappointed to see Page go, especially after he and Daphne reconciled at the end of season 1. Some even hoped that Page’s nomination for the Emmy Award would change his mind about returning. However, it doesn’t look like this will be the case.
Regé-Jean Page played Simon Basset in ‘Bridgerton’
Page played the handsome Simon Basset in season 1 of Bridgerton. Simon is a complicated character. He vows never to have children so that his neglectful father’s line will die with him. Simon agrees to pretend to court Daphne so that other suitors will be interested in competing for her. Things become more complicated when Simon develops real feelings for Daphne.
Page became quite a heartthrob for his role in the steamy series. Daphne and Simon get married in season 1, but they are at odds with each other when Daphne finds that Simon is choosing not to have children. The couple finally made up at the end of season 1, and fans were hoping for more from Page after that.
Regé-Jean Page won’t be returning for ‘Bridgerton’ Season 2
Unfortunately for fans of Simon, Page announced that he would not be returning for season 2. Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes was surprised by fans’ anguish over the news. Rhimes confirmed to TV Line that it had always been the plan for Page to be in only one season of Bridgerton, though that’s not stopping fans from getting ideas. “[T]here’s a lot of fantastically interesting talk that’s been going on, mainly ’cause I think people are having a hard time letting go,” Rhimes said to TV Line. “He’s a busy man!”
Furthermore, Page’s absence makes sense with the direction the series is headed. Season 2 will focus on Daphne’s oldest brother, Anthony Bridgerton, in his quest to find a wife. Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Daphne, will return to the show in a supporting role. The Duke’s absence in season 2 can easily be explained away since the focus will be on Anthony.
Will Page’s Emmy nomination change his mind?
In total, Bridgerton is up for 12 Emmy Awards in various categories. Page is in the running for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series for his role in Bridgerton. Showrunner Chris Van Dusen was ecstatic over Page’s success. However, he kept his cards close to his chest when The Wrap asked if Page would now return to season 2.
“It’s all very, very exciting and so I can’t tell you specific details because I don’t want to spoil it. But as you know, in Season 2, we’re following Anthony Bridgerton’s journey. And I think we’re going to be doing some really interesting things in this season, as far as with Daphne and with Anthony. We literally see Daphne hand the baton over to Anthony. And I think viewers are going to be in for a real treat when they see what Anthony’s been up to.”
– The Wrap
Some fans are clinging to a hope that Page will at least appear for a small cameo in season 2. The Hollywood Reporter, states that he has been offered up to $50,000 an episode to do so. However, Page turned down the money, and it seems unlikely that even his Emmy nomination will change his mind.
