What brewed between Regé-Jean Page and the creators of Bridgerton? How his exit impacted the show, catapulting it into a global hit!
The whirlwind success of Bridgerton’s first season in 2020 was nothing short of sensational. It wasn’t just another run-of-the-mill period drama, but a true cultural reset. At the center of it all was the magnetic Simon Basset- The Duke of Hastings, played by the inarguably handsome Regé-Jean Page.
His portrayal of the tall, dark, and desirable Duke and the palpable chemistry between him and Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) put him on the global radar of stardom almost immediately.
So when it was revealed that he won’t be returning for season 2, fans all across were naturally devastated. In hindsight, his not returning may have been the best thing for the show.
Why did Regé-Jean Page exit Bridgerton?
At the time of his exit from the show, it was revealed that Regé-Jean Page had only been signed for a single-season arc. However, when discussions opened about his possible return, creative differences and being offered several meatier projects like Dungeons & Dragons and The Gray Man were some of the reasons why he didn’t take it forward.
When asked by producer Shonda Rhimes whether he would think of making a comeback in season 2, Page said:
I signed up to do this one lovely story, this closed-ended storyline. I’m good!
The rumor mill had it that there was some bad blood when he left Bridgerton. Although publicly it was a clean exit, with Page clarifying on his socials that he was prepared to leave after the first season, his resistance towards cameos or being associated with the show further in any capacity, clarified he wanted to distance himself from the franchise for good.
Bridgerton soared higher every season
Bridgerton, irrespective of Page’s exit, thrived! In fact, the show may have found its true tone after his exit. As a character, the Duke was a one-man show, yielding little to no impact on other characters’ development, life decisions, and growth.
When the focus was off the heartthrob, it went deeper toward other people, plots, and the storyline, showcasing character developments across seasons.
There was also room for other intense romances once the Duke and Daphne left center stage. The stakes were no longer tied to a particular couple’s journey; it was about intertwined stories of love, loss, jealousy, grit, and greed across the Bridgerton Family and many others through the seasons.
Talking to Variety, Shonda Rhimes revealed that Julia Quinn’s series has this structure where one love story is focused upon in one book. So when she created the show for Netflix (one of her firsts, away from the ABC network), she assumed people would be more comfortable with a different couple’s love story in each season.
The slow-burn romance between Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton in season two came to life with iconic dialogues that didn’t take long to become cult classics. From enemies to lovers, fans argue that their story outshone the love story in season 1.
Brilliant character arcs and storyline
The fierce force of nature, Eloise Bridgerton, dared to ask questions about social norms and expectations of the era. Jessie’s ability to bring a sort of raw emotion, wit, and awkwardness has helped Eloise’s character feel honest, relatable, and fresh. Her screen presence was felt significantly through the seasons, even without a love interest in tow yet.
Lady Whistledown’s scandalous identity, a woman who stirred the juiciest rumors around the Ton, became one of the continuing focal points in the series. It shows Penelope’s fears and conquests, as well as her transition to a confident, charming person who takes ownership of all her actions and proudly so.
Plots and turns that helped Bridgerton shine post Regé-Jean Page’s departure
There were several other delectable character arcs in the series: Queen Charlotte, with her power play and politics, Lady Danbury, and her interesting past, and Violet Bridgerton, the keeper of secrets and a compassionate, caring mother.
The layered storylines of loyalty, friendship, betrayal, power, secrets, and the cost of keeping them prove that the world of Bridgerton was deeper than just romance, and kept people hooked through the three seasons and waiting for several more!
The show not only went on after Page’s exit but flourished to win Emmy awards and hearts across the globe, showing that a good story and screenplay shine above everything and everyone else.