Since finding out that Rege-Jean Page will not be returning for season two of Bridgerton, I have been in mourning and have been ignoring all Bridgerton news. However, “the show must go on,” seems to be the motto at Shondaland because Netflix just announced that they have ordered another two seasons of Bridgerton. Netflix wanted to lock in seasons three and four because of the immense popularity of season one. Despite not being able to entice break out star Rege-Jean Page to return, supposedly because of “creative differences”, Netflix believes in the show. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s VP of global TV, says that creators have exciting plans and that they want to be in “business with the Bridgerton team for a long time.” Shonda Rhimes shared Lady Whistledown’s announcement on her Instagram account. Below are more details from Deadline:
In accordance with Bridgerton tradition, Lady Whistledown had her own say on the renewal. “This author shall have to purchase more ink,” quipped the character, who is narrated by Julie Andrews and is the pen-name of Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan). See below for a special edition of her Society Paper:
In a statement, Shonda Rhimes said: “From the first time I read Julia Quinn’s delicious Bridgerton series, I knew these were stories that would captivate a viewing audience. But the evolution of this adaptation would not be a success without the many significant contributions of the entire Shondaland team.
“This two-season pickup is a strong vote of confidence in our work and I feel incredibly grateful to have partners as collaborative and creative as Netflix. Betsy and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue bringing the world of Bridgerton to a worldwide audience.”
Bela Bajaria, Netflix VP of global TV, added: “Bridgerton swept us off our feet. The creative team, led by Shonda, knew the material and delivered a beautiful, emotional, romantic drama for our members. They have some exciting plans for the future, and we think audiences will continue to swoon for this show. We’re planning to be in the Bridgerton business for a long time to come.”
Though the two-season renewal was not expected, it’s not an outlandish shock given the runaway success of the first season. The period drama became Netflix’s biggest ever series after it was watched by a record 82 million households around the world and made stars out of its cast almost overnight. The only sad news for fans of Season 1 is that not all cast will return for future seasons, notably Regé-Jean Page, who played the dapper Duke of Hastings Simon Bassett.
First, I want to address this idea that Rege-Jean has gotten too big for his britches and is low key acting like a diva. I do not for one minute believe that Rege did not return because he wanted more air time in season two. He may not have liked the direction his character was going, or found the storyline for his character unexciting, and that is his prerogative. I believe that the Bridgerton team were not expecting Rege to be such a hit and only signed him for the first season. I think that when they realized they wanted to weave Simon into the season two, Rege had already signed on to other projects. With that being said, I believe Bridgerton will do just fine without Rege. If the creators of Bridgerton continue to create great storytelling and make a diversely hot cast the focus, the next three seasons of Bridgerton are gonna be lit. Like I said before, I would like to see one of the Bridgerton brothers with a dark-skinned Black woman. However, I am happy that season two will have two dark-skinned south Asian women leading the cast, with one paying the main love interest. It is time that characters in the stories we watch begin to reflect what the world looks like. I am also glad that great storytelling and diverse casts are being celebrated and rewarded. Also, let’s face it, being a part of a successful Shondaland project can definitely launch a fledgling career (see Rege-Jean Page). Good luck to the Bridgerton cast and creators, I am looking forward to being on this ride with them.
photos credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix
Shonda said in an interview with Vanity Fair that Rege had been signed to a one year contract and that is why he is not returning. His schedule doesn’t allow for cameo appearances during the pandemic. There’s no bad vibes between Shonda and Rege. Not sure where this “creative differences” nonsense is coming from.
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/shonda-rhimes-betsy-beers-bridgerton-interview#intcid=recommendations_vf-trending-legacy_d220688e-444b-4f2d-8afd-37a80ab7b1a9_popular4-1
Exactly! It’s very odd to me they’re trying to blame him for leaving when that’s all he was signed to.
Agree, I find it really icky and feel like there are racist undertones under the “too big for his britches thing.” He honoured his contract, signed other projects and it wouldn’t make sense for him to cancel those projects unless he was going to be a significant presence in season 2. He wasn’t, they all walked away amicably. Good for him and hope his career continues to grow.
And here is the thing, Regé-Jean Page could always show up in a surprise cameo appearance in Season 3 or 4.
Other than Season 2, no one knows what will happen in the future nor can it be predicted with regards to Regé-Jean Page and other Bridgerton actors.
Exactly @Tweetime It’s always like this with Black people. See what just went down on The Talk. We aren’t allowed to breathe, let alone make choices about our lives and careers without either being shut down, dismissed, made invisible, or else, from white jealousy, told that we’re “too big for our britches”. How many opportunities have I lost, have Black women and people in general lost, because of that. How many *lives* have been lost i.e. we are killed for these kinds of things. This is just beyond tiring. It’s evil.
Anna, nothing gets racists more furious than non-whites pulling off something the former swear can’t be done—or don’t want done. The fact that Rhimes pulled off a very good Regency period piece with an interracial romance and a smokin’ hot AA male lead—well, good heavens! Only the right kind of folk (preferably people like the Downton Abbey/The Crown crew) are supposed to be able to do that. And how dare Page be as hot/hotter than Colin Firth or any number of Darcy-figures—with an “English Rose” at that! It’s wonderful to watch these hateful folk stew, cause the world has changed and they don’t get to call all the shots all the time.
Right! Both Shonda and Rege have said that he was contracted for one season. Honestly, what is left for Rege on Bridgerton? He did what he was hired to do and moved on. I am a little bummed he won’t be in future seasons of Bridgerton but I understand, he has other things to focus on. There are forces that are creating a narrative of a rift between Rege and Shonda, which is simply not true. I have seen some people blaming Shonda and now Rege. We should be really careful not to perpetuate these false and negative narratives especially about black people in this industry when there are already so few of them in such positions. Shonda and Rege should be celebrated and supported (protected really) so that they can bring us even more great and diverse stories that represent us.
I wonder who is leaking this creative difference thing? I don’t like it either cuz it’s trying to make Rege look bad. It then makes the show look bad too. Like y’all had a hit and a big part of that was Rege and he’s spoken v highly of the show.
I think, to add to your excellent points, that Shonda also isn’t personally negotiating *or* approving these deals, right? She’s the head of an entire production company, with several productions in various stages of completion, the *big boss* if you will, and not just a showrunner of one or two (wildly successful, but that’s neither here nor there) shows anymore, and not a CEO with a staff of two or three people under her. She’s *too busy* to hire or fire anyone other than her VPs and members of her board at this point, and probably didn’t choose to have a say in the casting of any specific actors of this particular hit show because she has a VP who hired a producer, who hired a whole team of people to do exactly that. Trying to pit an actor against a studio head in this instance is a *reach*, and it has the effect of reducing the power of Shonda’s position and name, and making Rege look petty and ungrateful. Or it’s trying to, and I hope the attempts fail, because it’s a nasty bit of racism and misogyny all in one fell swoop.
This is what I thought the reason was, that both had corroborated this, and that different books/seasons focus on different characters, so I was confused to see this headline.
This “rumour” is probably from the same people who started the Pedro Pascal Mandalorian “diva” rumours and the Nicole Beharie is “crazy and difficult” ones.
Pretty sure it was obnoxious youtuber Grace Randolph who started those Pedro rumors. She claimed it was so bad there would be a massive tonal shift in the middle of season 2 and that Pedro would only appear in half the episodes. She’s still sticking by her sources even after she was proved completely wrong. I think it’s pretty clear that if anyone on that set was a diva it was probably Carano.
Sorry, I know that’s off topic from bridgerton but I’m still mad at Randolph for that bs.
I’ve read all the books. Frankly there’s not much for ‘Simon’ going forward. Even Daphne appearances are miniscule. Each season I assume will focus on one Bridgerton sibling. Rege would’ve been wasted in the other seasons.
Exactly…there’s not enough of Simon’s story left for him to creatively differ over.
Agreed. Sometimes a series will increase or continue the role of a popular character. But the Bridgerton series doesn’t lend itself well to that option. Each book focuses on a different sibling, so it would divert too much from the storyline to continue to focus on a break-out character.
But it doesn’t sound like there is any bad blood at all. I bet when the pandemic is over, Simon will pop up in cameos at forthcoming Bridgerton weddings and major family events.
I had always thought that he might make a couple of cameo appearances in the second season, for Anthony & Kate’s story (pall mall scene). But, for the most part, Simon is no more than a bit part. And, in some cases, no more than an ‘extra’.
I say, to anyone who hasn’t read the books: trust the process. Each siblings’ story is as beautiful and magical as Daphne & Simon…some even moreso. 🙂
I enjoyed season one.
I think season two would be ok.
Honestly I don’t see the need of season 3/4.
They’re all based on different books, so I’m looking forward to some of the stories later in in the series. I thought the first one was the weakest.
I don’t know the books, so I trust you.
The first season was good to me because it was something silly, light and fun, and I needed this kind of entertainement.
Yup, each book is about a different sibling, so if the next seasons are as well done as the first, they should be just as good. Lady Danbury actually becomes a bigger character in the books so we’ll still have her, lol.
Season 3 or 4 will be Eloise’s story and then Penelope’s and those are the ones I care about the most. Like I’d rather skip season 2 and just get to those.
Oh, I loved book 2! I think that was one of my favourites@
I have seen so many stupid comments comparing this to David Caruso leaving NYPD Blue. No! Page was signed for only one season, the season based on the Duke book. Why on earth would he sign for Season 2? His character’s role would be so small, and yes I realize they would expand his roll to exploit HIS newfound popularity, but how big could it be? It’s not his love story. I don’t care why he didn’t agree to sign for a 2nd season. His choice, period.
Omg. Someone in either Netflix or the production itself is trying to make Rege-Jean into the next David Caruso. That is not what’s happening. His character is literally done in the real story. He doesn’t appear in Book 2 at all. It’s not his fault they thought he was disposable and only signed him for one season. Let’s be honest – if they wanted to lock him in at the time the contract would have included language around a potential season 2 and clearly it doesn’t. That’s not on Rege. Shonda better not try to wreck him like other people that leave when she’s not ready…
He does appear in book two though. The duke.. Minor appearance. Actually I have never been into his actor. I am all for book three and four though. Benedict was my favorite Bridgeton, followed by Colin. I don’t really like Colin’s actor but I will still watch the show.
@Laughing – you’re right but I forgot b/c the Duke is only in one scene.
Ahh same! I love book Colin, but not excited about film Colin.
I think Rege would have built a lot of goodwill if he would have agreed to show up for the pall-mall scene. His part could probably be done in one day, and I think it really helps set the Bridgerton family dynamic that Kate and Edwina are reacting to. Scheduling one day’s work doesn’t seem that undoable?
I wasn’t crazy about the actor who plays Colin either, but I guess there are another few seasons for me to adjust. We shall see.
I wonder if they would change the actor who plays Colin, since he’s supposed to be, what, 10 years older by the time we get to his story?
He should be careful! Shonda nurses grudges.
I hope it is just that the pandemic does not allow for easy travel for cameos. This idea that he had creative differences? That can cause some backlash.
Shonda herself confirmed he only signed onto 1 season.
Yeah, well, we’ll see. I will tell you something – ta nehisi coates is penning a black superman script. People keep thinking Page will be the next Bond. He may be Superman.
OMG!!! Yes! Wow, this would be so awesome.
They would have to do some major rewrites of the book and diminish the main romance to give Rege a big role in Season 2. He features in one scene in the story. Netflix only signed him for one season and his character’s story is done, so he’s moving on and prioritising other projects over a tiny cameo, which is the only sensible move while he’s still a hot commodity.
He’s not got a big head from his new success and it’s not creative differences, he completed his contract and he fulfilled the role he was hired for very well, that’s it!
I am here for Anthony’s and Benedict’s stories!
Loved Benedict in the show as well as in the books. Although some parts were problematic as hell. I loved book 4…
Laughing – agree with you! I love Benedict AND there are problematic parts in all of the books. It’s fantasy to me though, and I’m okay with putting some of those aspects to the side and enjoying the books for what they are. Book 4 is not one of my favorites, but I know it is for a lot of people!
that’s good to hear. I thought they were such duds in season 1, so watching the following seasons hasn’t been that appealing to me. I’ll give season 2 a shot.
I mean, his character barely appears in the series after the first book. It’s honestly not that weird that he’s not returning. It would have been a cameo or two at best. I was honestly surprised when there was news claiming he would be returning for more seasons, and I was surprised they got Daphne back. If the show is following the books, and so far they’ve claimed that they are, then Daphne and Simon’s story has been wrapped up.
Yeah I think they are going to emphasize Daphne’s role as a confidante for her brothers, which we do see somewhat in the books, because that’s really all that’s left for her. Maybe she takes Kate and Edwina under her wing next season or something?
I think its exactly what you said Oya – he was signed to one season, became a huge star as a result, took on other projects, and isn’t going to be able to fit Bridgerton into his schedule, ESPECIALLY since his character really becomes a very minor role in the books. If they wanted to make him a bigger character that would impact the other plots, and they already have enough subplots going that are not in the books (the Featheringtons, Benedict and the modiste, Anthony and Siena, the Queen being obsessed with Lady Whistledown, etc). I liked how he put it – that it was a one season arc. If they hadn’t ended the season with Daphne having a baby, then maybe they could have worked a pregnancy into the next season to give them some focus, but it’s kind of nice that their story is complete.
Would I love to see more Reje-jean as the Duke? Yes. Am I excited to see what he does next? Also yes. I don’t blame him for moving on, he’s at a really big moment in his career and he should make the most of it.
I WAS excited to see that they signed up for seasons 3 and 4, sort of surprised that it was separate from the season 2 deal – like what happened when they were negotiating for the second season that they didnt THEN sign for the additional 3 seasons? It seems weird to me because its not like season 2 has aired or even finished filming. But, I am far from a TV executive so these things are beyond me, lol.
I think narratively they needed to get up to book four because that’s when everyone finds out about Lady Whistledown.
Season two was basically a given even if the first season only did ok. It is Shonda after all. I think talk of season three and four happened later because the first season was such a huge hit. I am still not sure if this will go much further. Likely Eloise gets her season because she seems to be liked as a character. The later three will be trickier because they are basically kids.
Watched 3 episodes of Bridgerton and didn’t like it. He was the only interesting part. He’s going to be a huge star.
Regé-Jean needs to strike while the iron’s hot. I could totally see him as Superman. He has so much on screen charisma and something about him reminds me of Christopher Reeves.
And I‘m sure I will watch every season of Bridgerton without fail. I really want to see the Penelope and Colin story.
I don’t like how the studio is still throwing Regé under the bus for their lack of foresight. From what I understand, Bridgerton’s first season wrapped filming in February 2020. That means he wasn’t contracted to the show from that point, beyond doing publicity once it was released. He had months of auditions to get work lined up in between Feb and December 2020. He had moved on. Regé becoming the breakout wasn’t expected, and be optimized it to the fullest.
And let’s be real here: the ONLY “creative difference” is Netflix signed him for one season, realized they f*cked up and decided to throw more money at him in hopes of enticing him to return, and Regé opted to stick to the one season BECAUSE he had work lined up since mid-to-late 2020.
Not to mention all the Covid restrictions that would definitely limit travel between productions. I’m sure having to quarantine for a month (14 days before and after filming a handful of scenes) just isn’t worth it.
I am certain that covid restrictions are the main reason why a cameo didn’t happened for season two. It was likely to be a day or two of work and if he’s booked already, he wouldn’t have had time.
This does not seem at all like a case of being another david Caruso.
I still have to watch Bridgerton, but I heard that his partings with Netflix, Shonda, and the production were really peaceful and there was no beef whatsoever.
My guess was he was only contracted for 1 season because they are following the books. They were shocked at how huge he got and wanted to shoe horn him into future seasons but he’s too booked and busy now to do it. And some people are bitter about it.
Crappy of them to try and throw him under the bus for “creative differences.” He was signed on for one season, was a breakout star, and got more opportunities. It was a job that benefited him and he’s moving on; he’s not obligated to stay out of loyalty or something for a bit part in upcoming seasons. He’s smart to take on bigger and better roles before he’s pigeonholed.
I find it very upsetting that it feels like someone over there is throwing him under the bus to make it his fault he isn’t coming back, rather than, he isn’t the focus of the show. They should be more loud explaining it is more a separate story every season, than focusing on him.
Never felt the need to comment but it’s a big blind in another popular gossip site. The same site I stopped going to because they’re so crazy against the Sussexes. Literally took a two month break because it was so creepy and weird. 100% a spot where Wikileaks sends some of his diary entries. This hit job totally stinks of racism, and honesty if I were an actor I’d be excited to move onto more complex characters and plots that don’t involve me simulating sex. There’s some serious salt going around about someone being successful and lining up future jobs.
Yeah, this sounds like a double PR hit on Rhimes and Page.
“Creative differences” just likely means he would have been relegated to a side character with limited screen time instead of a main player. I think he’s actually making the smartest decision possible for his own career given that he was the breakout star. If he was locked into a contract that put him in a smaller role, that would limit his ability to pick up bigger roles elsewhere. He’s taking a chance, but all actors have to make that risk calculation at some point.
I think Netflix may be pushing it with four seasons, but we’ll see. I’d be very surprised if it makes it that far with full viewership given that the rest of the cast didn’t really stand out to people, but that may be because they didn’t have space to do it. My guess is their making each season based on a book in the series instead of expanding it.
He’s most likely gotten offers for big roles that film when Bridgerton does and decided to take them instead of sticking to a show where he’ll essentially be doing glorified cameo roles. If quarantining wasn’t a thing, he may have been able to shoot a few scenes.
Who knows? Maybe he’ll be back for Seasons 3 and 4
If it was no big deal we wouldn’t have been handed, ‘creative differences,’ lol. He wasn’t signed for further seasons. Easy peasy right? So why differences in creativity? The first season made him. It’s all very obvious imo.
I’ll be watching with abandon and 100% support the show.
Beautiful man, but a bit of an eyebrow actor.
Oohh no how do I unnotice this now?
Haha, yes, I noticed that, too. Reminded me a bit of Emilia Clarke in that regard. I always find it charming in actors, but it does add a wry element to their performance unless they learn to tone it down a bit.
I hate it when viewers get salty with actors who choose not to renew their contracts. They act like jilted lovers. Sounds like someone is trying to rev up that dynamic when it is so unnecessary. He took a job, fulfilled his contract, did so well that he attracted loads of attention and other offers, which he took. He has said nothing but good things about the show and his experience on it.
If people don’t think “Bridgerton” will be worth watching without him, they can watch him in other things. I’ll be watching, even though he was one of my favorite things about it. I can’t guarantee I’ll be into the next season (though I do like Anthony!), but I’ll try it and hope to like it.
The same thing happened with Dan Stevens and to some degree Jessica Brown-Findlay when they chose not to renew their contracts with Downton Abbey after THREE (not just one) seasons. Some people were so nasty about it, particularly with Dan. It was nuts. That’s actually one problem with being part of a behemoth of a show, people start to see you as only part of the show and not the individual actor/talent/human being you are.
Also, I remember seeing Rege as Chicken George in the “Roots” remake and being very impressed with him. Also, thinking he was gorgeous.
I first noticed Rege in the Roots remake and was impressed with him then. I hope he gets many opportunities and is able to take advantage of them. Let him become the next Denzel or Will Smith. Also, it’s very disconcerting to hear these nasty unfounded rumors that seem designed to diminish Rege. Why can’t people be happy and wish him the best? I guess the black man wasn’t supposed to be the breakout star and reap the benefits of that.
There is certainly racist undertones about this whole thing.
I agree with you on everything 100% (I don’t know anything about Downton abbey) but everything you said about the Regé is what I am feeling. I will be watching the other seasons of Bridgerton because it is such a wonderful show. Regé was amazing but I am actually looking forward to seeing Anthony’s story. I didn’t care for Anthony in the beginning but after watching Bridgerton for what seems like the hundredth time I like him.
I also was first introduced to Regé on Roots and was blown away by his performance. When I saw him on Bridgerton I so wanted to watch Roots again but its not available on any of the streaming sites here in South Africa; I watched it on TV when it was on in 2016 and I remember Regé giving a shout out on his instagram that Roots was playing on a South African TV station.
Okay, I see it this way. He’s been the star of season 1. He can’t be the star of season 2 because the storyline now is about the brother getting it on with his future wife. They just can’t make him the star again due to the format. And he can’t agree to play second fiddle because that would affect his stardom and prospects. Even if they tried to make his storyline bigger, there’s only as big as it can get within this story. You’d have to make it about him again, and that’s really not what this show seems to be about. It looks like every season will be about one family member getting their love life sorted. So the star couple for each season should be different. It’s a revolving door type of show and you can’t do much about it unless you completely change the vibe.
Honestly, I devoured season 1 of Bridgerton and enjoyed it a lot, but this isn’t that big a deal to me at all. I haven’t read the books, but I do understand that it’s an anthology-esque series, with a different Bridgerton sibling’s love story being the main focus of each installment/season. In that case, it makes sense for the love interests to sign up for one season, maybe make cameos or guest bits if they can or want to in subsequent seasons, but they’re not the main focus moving forward, so the actors shouldn’t have to go out of their way to schedule it in. I think the people who are most upset about this didn’t get the memo that he wasn’t ever going to be a main character beyond season 1. And look on the bright side. Yes, there’s not gonna be a Duke, but there’s also not going to be Daphne with her baby bangs as romantic lead. That can only be a positive. I have nothing against the actress, but omg.
I’m actually looking forward to the Kate/Anthony love story in season 2 more than anything else. Anthony is a gorgeous human disaster and I love him and I was expecting them to cast a WOC as his love interest because Shonda, so all I needed for season 2 to be a must-watch was to see who they cast as Kate. Dark South Asian woman, so I’m good to go.
I’m not as vested in the Bridgerton brothers. They do nothing for me. Hopefully their story lines will prove interesting. I also think casting South Asian women as leads will work in the show’s favor. The number of new viewers may also increase because people love seeing themselves on screen. Representation matters.
So yeah. I saw Shonda basically saying “why is everyone SO attached to Rege Jean blah,blah. Lady, you are so talented and smart but don’t act like you aren’t still looking for the underwear that flew off when that man was on the screen. He had an effect, and no one can deny it. I can’t wait for him to say “shaken not stirred “
I don’t see how anyone could be surprised that he’s not returning. Disappointed, sure, but not surprised. Maybe he’ll appear one day in “The Bridgerton Holiday Special” or, if his career doesn’t go where it could, he’ll play a role in “Bridgerton: The Next Generation.” Any actor, with the buzz he has and with no contractual obligation to return, would do exactly what he’s doing. Having read some of the books, mostly I’m curious about how they’ll make Benedict less unlikeable in the season that focuses on him.
I will miss the fair Rege.. He is so beautiful and a great actor. Loved him on SNL.
I think I’ll take notice when the leads are both non-ambiguous Black. As for now, I read the 4th or was it 5th, book in the Bridgerton series, and honestly, it left me hanging. The stories are really basic. There are better recently written, regency era romances to use.
I’m still very sad about it, very sad. I am hoping that Shonda has him at least peep in later down the line. I don’t care about the book and what it did, as I have told my many friends.
Maybe, I should have some kind of goodbye party for his character this weekend, w/booze and a few friends. None of them are as sad as I am, about his departure. smdh.
I can’t see Page being an arsehole about it at all. He got one season, got booked and busy. Rhimes has said nice things about him (Rhimes isn’t one to say nice things about an actor if they’re acting up).
I call shenangians on this. Page seems to be someone who is emotionally intelligent to go out of these things gracefully.
While I miss His Great-Almighty-Tastiness aka Simon Basset Duke of Hastings. I will settle for more newly found gems…and I do like Jonathan Bailey aka Anthony Bridgerton and my favorite Bridgerton is Benedict which means season 3 will be all about him….so SQUEEEEEEE!!!!
I honestly don’t get the controversy. He doesn’t want to be on the show. Done.
They’re trying to paint him as some sort of diva? lol as if so many white men in the industry aren’t a lot of crybabies with egos the size of mount Everest.
That said, he doesn’t do it for me at all. They’re trying to paint him as the next Black British Hottie, but I’m old school and the BBH for moi will always be Chiwetel Ejiofor. Sad his career didn’t take off like he deserved 🙁