Is Rege-Jean Page Really Leaving Bridgerton Due To Creative Differences?
News that Regé-Jean Page is not returning to Season 2 of Netflix's hit show Bridgerton deeply depressed fans all over the globe. The actor, who was reportedly only slated to appear in the first season since he received his contract, according to Variety, ended up being far more popular that showrunners initially realized, and there was hope that he would return for Season 2 — even if it was just for a couple of episodes. In fact, Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen even told Deadline that he hoped that Page would reprise his role as the Duke of Hastings — but that just didn't happen.
When it came time to get the cast together for the new season, Page wasn't interested in signing on. Since the shocking announcement was made on April 2, 2021, there have been plenty of rumors about why Page was against returning. Many believed that Page simply had too many things going on in his professional life, with his IMDb page quickly filling up with major roles that he scored after he wrapped Season 1 of Bridgerton. So, is Page simply too busy or is there more to the story? Read on to find out.
Regé-Jean Page reportedly had different ideas than what the producers decided to roll with
A new report published by Page Six on April 12, 2021, claims that Regé-Jean Page had some "creative differences" with the producers, and that's the real reason why he chose not to reprise his role. "Regé is not coming back to 'Bridgerton' because of creative differences with [executive producer] Shonda Rhimes and her team. He wasn't happy with what was planned for his character for Season 2, which would have kept him a player but not the focal point of the show," a source told the outlet. Page previously told Variety that he was drawn to the role of the Duke of Hastings because it was a "one-season arc." In the books that the series is based off of, the Duke of Hastings isn't featured as a main character past the first, so he would have needed to be written in to stay on the show.
The source also highlighted Page's popularity, saying that the actor has been "inundated with offers for other interesting and challenging leading roles." The source went on to insinuate that people who disagree with Rhimes often find themselves parting ways with a given series. "Nobody is bigger than the show," the source said. And, despite the reported "creative differences," the source assured Page Six that Page left on good terms. Of course, Page will be okay. It's the Bridgerton die-hard fans we're really worried about!