Regé-Jean Page captivated audiences as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, in the first season of Bridgerton, but fans were surprised when he didn’t reprise the role. The first season, which introduced Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton, was a huge hit for Netflix, and Page’s strong chemistry with Dynevor was key to the show’s popularity.
Regé-Jean Page’s performance was a major draw for audiences, bringing both charm and emotional depth to the show. He captivated viewers with his on-screen presence, adding a fresh, modern feel to the historical setting. His compelling and somewhat mysterious portrayal anchored the romantic storylines and played a significant role in making Bridgerton a huge success.
Let’s be real, everyone was hoping to see Luke Newton’s Colin Bridgerton back after that incredible first season! When we heard other original cast members were returning, it felt like a definite possibility. And while he’s not the main focus anymore, Daphne hasn’t completely disappeared – we still get little glimpses of her. Honestly, even after all this time, her romance with Simon is still what a lot of us are thinking about, and it’s lovely to see that connection still acknowledged.
Several actors from Bridgerton, including Jonathan Bailey who starred as Anthony Bridgerton in season two, have continued to play major roles in later seasons, allowing fans to follow their characters’ journeys. This makes Rege-Jean Page’s departure more noticeable, as he hasn’t returned while others have. Many Bridgerton viewers have been wondering about his absence for quite some time.
Regé-Jean Page Left Bridgerton Because His Character’s Arc Was Over
He Felt He’d Fulfilled The Role
Regé-Jean Page has openly discussed his positive experience with Bridgerton, but he decided not to return for future seasons for a clear reason. He told Vanity Fair that he felt he’d completed the arc his character needed after the first season. According to Page, he simply fulfilled the terms of his original contract, stating, “I signed up to do a job…That’s it. That’s the story.”
Page admitted, “It wasn’t as exciting as people might think,” but he went on to explain his reasons. He felt returning to Bridgerton would mean changing the story in ways that didn’t suit the characters, and he was happy with how the Duke’s story ended.
Page was clear that he didn’t want to change the established characters or storyline after the success of Bridgerton season one. He admitted it would have been easy to get sidetracked, but he joined the show to tell a specific story and felt it was important to stay true to that. While grateful for the experience, his priority was always serving the original narrative.
Why Regé-Jean Page Never Returned To Bridgerton After Season 1
He’s Been Busy With Other Projects
While fans might have hoped to see more of Page’s character in Bridgerton season 2, his decision to appear for only one season likely had reasons beyond just creative choices. Reports suggested he wanted to focus on films or that disagreements occurred behind the scenes, but these rumors were never officially confirmed.
Regé-Jean Page maintained he only intended to be on the show for one season, and this actually fits with the books the series is based on. Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels each focus on a different sibling, mirroring the way the Netflix show gives each character their own storyline. Whatever his reasons, Page’s performance was key to the show’s early success.
What Regé-Jean Page Has Done Since Bridgerton
He’s Been Exploring Film Roles
Following his departure from Bridgerton, Regé-Jean Page shifted his focus to other acting opportunities. He’s since appeared in films like The Gray Man (2022) and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023), and is slated to star in Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag (2025). Additionally, Page contributed his voice to an Audible original podcast adaptation of The Sandman after finishing his work on the series.
Next up, Page will star alongside Halle Bailey in a romantic comedy called You, Me & Tuscany, set to release in 2026. The film is already generating excitement thanks to its familiar and beloved romantic comedy style. Page’s projects after Bridgerton show he’s interested in taking on diverse roles and establishing a lasting career, instead of remaining solely within one TV series.
How Bridgerton Has Explained Simon’s Absence
The Show Has Been Quiet About The Duke
Image by Yeider Chacon
Even though Bridgerton has continued successfully without Regé-Jean Page, the show still finds ways to mention his character from time to time. For example, in season 2, Daphne returned home and occasionally talked about her husband and child, letting viewers know they were still around even though the Duke wasn’t appearing on screen.
The show usually explains Simon’s absence by having him focus on managing his estate, which also respects his character’s story. Instead of committing to the series long-term, Page decided to finish his part of the Bridgerton story beautifully, letting the show continue with new characters and allowing him to pursue other projects.
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2025-11-19 04:19