Regé-Jean Page’s fan-favorite Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings is noticeably absent from Bridgerton’s second season. But will he return for season 3?
Will Regé-Jean Page’s Simon Basset return for Bridgerton season 3? After the success of Bridgerton season 1, which combines Regency-period romance with modern sensibilities, fans were left wondering if the enigmatic Duke of Hastings would come back. Though Bridgerton season 2 does not feature Simon, the answer to whether everyone’s favorite duke will return may lie in recent interviews and in Julia Quinn’s book series, upon which the television show is based.
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Currently, Regé-Jean Page is not expected to return as Simon in Bridgerton season 3. After an official Instagram announcement that Page would not be returning as Simon Basset, the actor, in an April 2021 interview with Variety magazine, said his involvement in Bridgerton was always intended to be “a one-season arc.” Bridgerton executive producer Shonda Rhimes also weighed in on Page’s departure in another interview with Variety, admitting he wouldn’t have much to do in following seasons and would be relegated to the background.
As each book in the series follows a different Bridgerton sibling, it would make it difficult for the fan-favorite duke to have a meaningful storyline woven into the television series. However, in a November 2021 interview with British GQ, when asked if he could return as Simon, Page said, “You know I couldn’t tell you! Isn’t there something wonderful about being surprised by what you weren’t suspecting? “
Simon Basset’s presence in the Bridgerton books wanes as the series continues, so it makes sense that his character would not be included in the show after season 1. Book 2 of the Bridgerton series, entitled The Viscount Who Loved Me, follows eldest sibling Anthony’s budding relationship with Kate, and has Simon appearing briefly with Daphne in the Bridgerton family Pall-Mall match. In Bridgerton season 2, only Daphne is present for the game. Later on in the book series, Simon is mentioned only by name, but makes his final appearance in Romancing Mister Bridgerton, assisting Colin in identifying Lady Whistledown.
Fans of Regé-Jean Page’s performance as Simon should not mourn his onscreen absence on Bridgerton. Based on his comments to GQ, there may very well be a possibility that Page returns to Bridgerton someday. While that should keep fans guessing as to his involvement in future seasons, Page is attached to several high-profile projects, including The Gray Man and Dungeons & Dragons.
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