‘Bridgerton’ season 2: How Regé-Jean Page’s character ‘disappears’
Here’s how the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page, was written out of the second season of ‘Bridgerton’.
British actor Regé-Jean Page was without a doubt one of the most beloved characters of the first season of Bridgerton. Now that we know he doesn’t make a cameo appearance in season two, let’s take a look at how his character written out of the storyline?
REGÉ-JEAN PAGE’S EXIT FROM ‘BRIDGERTON’
In April 2021, Lady Whistledown announced that the beloved Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page, would NOT be returning for season two of the series.
This was said to be because he was only supposed to star in one season and not have a recurring role. The series is based on the series of novels by Julia Quinn. Each book is based on a different Bridgerton sibling and their journey of finding a “match” for the courtship season.
So, the Duke was a part of Daphne’s story only and he was said to have signed a contract for just one season.
Many hearts were broken, but the show had to go on. Season two is based on the book The Viscount Who Loved Me and therefore the season centres around the love life of Antony, Daphne’s elder brother.
Season two of the hit series premiered today (25 March). So, exactly how did the producers “get rid of” the Duke aka Simon Bassett?
ALSO READ: Bridgerton season two review: Love really does not play by the rules!
HOW REGÉ-JEAN PAGE WAS WRITTEN OUT OF SEASON TWO
Well, Simon is considered to be away at his marital home with Daphne while she comes and goes. Daphne appears in the first episode of the series where she appears to show support for her sister Eloise approaching the marriage season. Daphne is devoted to helping her brother find a wife and attends family gatherings and events.
The Duke’s absence is addressed at the very beginning when Daphne tells her siblings: “You do realise I left my husband and child at home for this?”
The Duke may not make a cameo this season but his son does! He is introduced as Augie in the third episode and appears again in the eighth episode. The Duke’s whereabouts are neither mentioned nor questioned. Daphne also makes mention of her marriage in conversation with her mother, Lady Bridgerton.
“Every time I think my marriage has become simple, Simon and I find some new stone to turn over, a new foible that one of us needs the other to tease out and inspect,” she said.
“It is decidedly irritating, yet incredibly gratifying at the same time,” she continued.
ALSO READ: It’s here! Netflix releases the official ‘Bridgerton’ season two trailer [watch]