Regé-Jean Page’s turn as Bridgerton’s first leading man Simon Basset, the Duke Of Hastings, was nothing short of electric, but viewers were stunned when he didn’t return to the show. Bridgerton season 1, which featured Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne Bridgerton coming out into society, was a massive success for Netflix, and Page’s chemistry with Dynevor was a huge reason the show resonated with audiences.

Bringing charisma, vulnerability, and a modern energy to the series, Page’s performance was captivating for audiences who craved the emotional intensity of a period piece with a different flair. Viewers latched onto Page because of his magnetism on screen. His brooding presence grounded the romance, and his performance helped make Bridgerton into the cultural phenomenon it has become over the years.

Because of how unforgettable Page’s Bridgerton season 1 arc was, many fans hoped he might return, especially when it was clear that other original stars would be back on the series. Despite no longer being a focal point, Daphne hasn’t been entirely absent, with her character still appearing occasionally. Even years later, her relationship with Simon remains central in fans’ minds.

Other Bridgerton actors like Jonathan Bailey, who took center stage as Anthony Bridgerton in season 2, continue to headline in later seasons, living up to their breakout roles and keeping viewers up to date with their characters. That makes Page’s absence particularly prounounced, with others returning while he’s stayed off the series. For many Bridgerton fans, Page’s absence has long been a question mark.

Regé-Jean Page Left Bridgerton Because His Character’s Arc Was Over

He Felt He’d Fulfilled The Role

Although Page has been open about enjoying his time on Bridgerton, he’s shared that he chose not to return to the series for a specific reason. Explaining that he felt that the role had been fulfilled, Page revealed to Vanity Fair that he’d done what the story had called for after Bridgerton season 1. “I signed up to do a job…That’s it. That’s the story,” he explained.

While Page shared, “I wish it was more glamorous than that,” it’s clear that he was quick to explain a bit further when pushed on the idea. Sharing that he felt that if he’d come back to Bridgerton that he’d be pressured to twist the story in ways that didn’t work for the characters, Page seemed clear that he was satisfied with the Duke’s storyline.

Sharing that finding new pockets of the characters and shifting the story to fit new plots was “never what we’d signed up to do,” Page was upfront about not wanting to tamper with what Bridgerton season 1 had created. “The temptation would be to roll with the distractions,” Page explained. While he is certainly thankful for Bridgerton, he was on the series to serve the story.

Why Regé-Jean Page Never Returned To Bridgerton After Season 1

He’s Been Busy With Other Projects

Although Page’s exit wasn’t what viewers were looking for in Bridgerton season 2, his choice to stick to just one season of the series may have been for more than an artistic interest. At the time of Page’s exit, there were reports that he was focusing on his movie career or that there were creative differences involved, neither of which was ever confirmed.

While Page felt strongly that he was contributing for the season and nothing more, his explanation also lends itself well to the Bridgerton source material. Julia Quinn’s novels feature each of the Bridgerton siblings in starring roles, which support the one-season arcs of the Netflix series. Regardless of the reason, Page’s contribution to the series was a huge part of its initial popularity.

What Regé-Jean Page Has Done Since Bridgerton

He’s Been Exploring Film Roles

After his time on Bridgerton came to an end, Page went on to focus his efforts on other projects. Moving into film, Page has appeared in 2022’s Netflix film The Gray Man, 2023’s Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and 2025’s Black Bag, which was directed by Steven Soderbergh. Page also lent his voice to Audible original podcast, The Sandman, after his role on Bridgerton.

Page’s next project, You, Me & Tuscany, features him working alongside Halle Bailey in a romantic comedy. Premiering in 2026, the film already has a lot of hype because of its classic romantic comedy structure. Page’s post-Bridgerton choices suggest he’s eager to explore a variety of roles while building a long-term career, rather than being tied to a single TV franchise.

How Bridgerton Has Explained Simon’s Absence

The Show Has Been Quiet About The Duke

Image by Yeider Chacon

Although Bridgerton has continued on as a successful series without Page, they’ve chosen to keep viewers up-to-date on the character from time to time without his presence. During Bridgerton season 2, Daphne returned to the family home, occasionally referencing that she’d left her husband and child back home, giving a nod to the Duke’s off-screen presence.

The show typically paints Simon as being busy with his estate, providing a plausible reason for why he is not around while still honoring the legacy of his character. Rather than staying on for the long haul, Page chose to wrap up a finely crafted Bridgerton arc, allowing the series to move forward without him and opening the door to new opportunities for himself.

Source: Vanity Fair

Release Date

December 25, 2020

Network

Netflix

Directors

Tom Verica, Tricia Brock, Alex Pillai, Alrick Riley, Bille Woodruff, Cheryl Dunye, Sheree Folkson, Julie Anne Robinson

Writers

Abby McDonald, Sarah L. Thompson, Daniel Robinson, Oliver Goldstick, Leila Cohan-Miccio, Azia Squire, Sarah Dollard, Eli Wilson Pelton, Janet Lin

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  Ruth Gemmell

  Lady Violet Bridgerton

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  Luke Thompson

  Benedict Bridgerton