Regé-Jean Page played Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings on Bridgerton. Image Source: Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Regé-Jean Page sets the record straight.
Actor Regé-Jean Page, who played Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, has decided to set the record straight for the most anticipated question of the year about his return to Netflix’s Bridgerton, and his answer remains the same that he is NOT returning to the show.
According to rumors, actor Regé-Jean Page, whose character Simon Basset was one of the most loved characters on the show, was considering returning to the show for season three as the actor and the makers were on talking terms. But now Regé-Jean Page has set the record straight that he is not returning to the show and the publications made that one up.
The rumors got fueled up after Regé-Jean Page was spotted with co-star Jonathan Bailey, who plays Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the show, in Milan during Fashion Week. Regé shared a picture of the two of them and simply said that the boys were back in town. He also replied to a user in the comment section, clarifying that they both had the best and most stylish catch-up ever over some truly excellent Italian coffee and sunshine.
There had been some talks recently that although the actor decided to leave the show after his season, there was a possibility of him returning to the show for season three and there had been some talks. However, Regé-Jean Page stated that he was grateful for the opportunity to play Duke of Hastings on the show, but that it was only a one-season arc and that the show's leads would change every season so he wanted to try out other things as well. Shonda Rhimes also called Regé-Jean Page’s decision to move one from the show a smart one, stating that they could not have Simon Basset acting as a side character in someone else’s story and adding that it did not make sense to them, so although the audience was devastated with his leaving, the makers understood.
Jonathan Bailey as Viscount Anthony Bidgerton, who was the lead in season two of Bridgerton, and Simone Ashley, who played Kate Sharma, were highly appreciated for their performances. Although season three is going to focus on Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan, and Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton, it seems that both Jonathan and Kate will be included in their stories as well since according to the books by Julia Quinn, the pair welcome four children but the audience will have to wait to see how season three turns out to be.
Nicola Coughlan has shared that she is very excited to be the lead of season three and mentioned that she does not exactly know how things are going to be, but everyone is excited. Luke Newton mentioned that he is hoping that he has sort of a more sensitive side to him and is excited to see how they are going to explore a relationship that so many people have, like where you develop a friendship and get to know each other and something just clicks. The stars also mentioned that the makers are not going to skip the third book, in which the lead is Benedict Bridgerton, but thought that the audience has been waiting for Polin for two seasons, so they are going to give the audience what they want.
Showrunner Jess Brownell, who took over after Chris Van Dusen’s departure, shared the reason for skipping the third book and choosing the fourth to develop. Jess said since the audience has been following both of these performers on their televisions since Season 1, and since everyone is already invested a little bit in them and are curious to know how things would turn out for them, Jess remarked that they genuinely feel like it's Colin and Penelope's moment. The Showrunner added that they are folks audience is familiar with and they feel like there are these moments of tension between them, especially in the last season, when it's almost like Colin creeps up to the edge of almost comprehending that Penelope has feelings for him but doesn't quite get there. Jess added that they wanted to introduce that dynamic into their season rather than continuing it in the same way as the books. It seemed like the right moment to start the game but also said that there is going to be a season for Benedict Bridgerton as well.
Just like the cast, the audience seems to be excited about the third season too, but the news of Regé-Jean Page not returning seems like a bummer but he will be seen in 'The Gray Man'
