Regé-Jean Page says goodbye

The news put a damper on the first week of April — Page will not be returning for the second season of Bridgerton. “The ride of a lifetime,” he wrote on Instagram. “It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke.” Over a million fans reacted to the post and expressed their dismay that it was the end of the road for the Duke we’ve come to love.

 

It had always been a one-season deal

The plan from the start was for the show to move on from Daphne Bridgerton and center on her older brother, Anthony Bridgerton for the second season. It’s based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling novel series, so it naturally, would follow the same path, each separate book focusing on a Bridgerton sibling.

Page told Variety that the reason he was attracted to the role of Simon Basset was that it was a one-season deal. “I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit, and then the Bridgerton family rolls on,” he said. “There is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing.”

He reportedly declined the offer to return to the show for a few episodes for $50,000 each. It’s best to go out with a bang while everyone was still hung up on your character, right?

 

‘Creative differences with Shonda Rhimes’

What Page told Variety wasn’t the first news that circulated about his departure. There have been reports from ‘sources’ that the British actor had a fallout with Bridgerton executive producer, Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal). The report said that Page still wanted the Duke of Hastings to hold a major role in the second season and Rhimes and her team disagreed.

 

What does Shonda Rhimes have to say about it?

Rhimes dismissed that rumor and responded to the collective mourning for Page’s exit. Especially since this is a character she didnt’t kill off (*Grey’s Anatomy flashbacks*). “[Regé-Jean] is a powerful, amazing actor and that meant we did our job — every season, our job is finding the right people and putting together this incredible, world-shifting romance,” she told Vanity Fair.

 

What’s Regé-Jean Page up these days anyway?

Even with his departure from Bridgerton, the actor still has a lot on his plate. He has just wrapped up filming for The Gray Man, a Russo brothers film where he stars alongside Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling. He’s also set to film Paramount’s Dungeons and Dragons with Chris Pine and Justice Smith at the end of this month.

 

James Bond rumors circulate

And since Page is beefing up his film career, word has it he could be the next James Bond. The speculations didn’t escape him either. He told Mirror that he’s flattered to even be considered as Daniel Craig’s successor. “Ah, the B word. I think that if you are British and you do anything of note, that other people take notice of, then people will start talking about that,” he said.

All eyes (and votes) are currently on him but other Bond potential successors include Tom Hardy and Idris Elba.

 

How about Black Panther then?

But if he isn’t going to be the next James Bond, maybe he can be the next Black Panther? The Russo brothers have already worked with him, after all.

Following Chadwick Boseman‘s untimely demise, Marvel did say they weren’t going to recast anyone as King T’Challa. So if Page were to be added to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it would be as a new character. How about it? Fancy seeing Page in black, skin-tight superhero spandex?

 

Need more of your Regé-Jean Page fix?

Although we are sad the Duke of Hastings has bid adieu, the team behind Bridgerton did say their doors are open for Page to come back anytime. Season 3, maybe? If you’re simply dying to know more about this dashing man, dig deeper with these 8 facts about him. (Also, you can always go on a weekend binge of Bridgerton anytime!)

 

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