It may have grown too big for its handsome British.
Regé-Jean Page isn’t returning to Bridgerton because he didn’t like what the producers planned for his character, the Duke of Hastings.
“Regé is not coming back to Bridgerton because of creative differences [executive producer] Shonda Rhimes and her team, ”a Hollywood source told page 6.
The source added, “He wasn’t happy with what was planned for his character for season two, which would have made him a gamer but not the focus of the show.”
In addition, “Regé was inundated with offers for other interesting and challenging leading roles.”
But the source continued, “If you look at all of the big names that are left [Rhimes’ hit show] “Grey’s Anatomy” in the past, you see you don’t contradict Shonda, no one is bigger than the show, “added that Page is leaving on good terms despite the” creative differences “.
Regé-Jean Page’s farewell to “Bridgerton” makes Hollywood buzz.Liam Daniel / Netflix
The Netflix drama “Bridgerton,” which was watched by a record 82 million households worldwide, shocked its fan base a little over a week ago by announcing that the lead man Page for the second season of the Shondaland drama would not be would return.
The dashing British actor, who became a global heartbreaker overnight, originally signed a one-year contract to play male lead actor Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings.
Page told Variety that he was attracted to Bridgerton because the role was a “one-season arc” with a “beginning, middle, end” that allowed him to “do my part, and then roll the Bridgerton- Family continue “.
There are also plans for Season 2 to focus on another Bridgerton sibling and their quest for marriage. This time around, the series focuses on the eldest brother, Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey.
After season one focused on the story of Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor, and her romance with The Duke (Page), show artist and screenwriter Chris Van Dusen told The Hollywood Reporter about it before the Christmas debut “Bridgerton” he hoped that both characters would be back beyond the first season of the show.
“I would love to see her again and explore the other brothers and sisters in the family at the same time,” said Van Dusen.
The Hollywood Reporter said Page “was offered the opportunity to guest star back three to five episodes of season two – at the rate of $ 50,000 per episode – but declined for a variety of reasons,” including “awareness that Simon would “not be a focus in season 2. “
The “Bridgerton” production reached out to Page representatives at CAA in early 2021 with an offer to return and a planned storyline for his character that, while not making him the focus of season two, would have kept him a key player.
But Page is focused on his film career, showing his considerable versatility as an actor in a number of roles, multiple sources say.
He will next star in Paramount’s big budget “Dungeons and Dragons,” starring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez and Justice Smith.
The Add Sources page was also flooded with movie deals, which also resulted in a hosting gig of NBC’s Saturday Night Live in February.
Meanwhile, Dyvenor has agreed a deal to return to season two, according to Lady Whistledown’s announcement: “Daphne will remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother through the upcoming social season and what it has to offer – more intrigue and romance that my readers may not be able to stand. “
The representatives from Rhimes, Shondaland and Page did not respond to requests for comment.
Page said goodbye to the show by posting a picture of himself on horseback as Simon and writing, “The Ride of a Lifetime. It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to be your Duke.
“Joining this family, not just on-screen, but off-screen as well. Our incredibly creative and generous cast, crew, outstanding fans – everything exceeded everything I could have imagined. Love is real and will just keep growing. “
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