This article was originally posted on 4/2/21

Lady Whistledown took to Twitter today to share some pretty unfortunate news for Shonda Rhimes‘ Netflix series Bridgerton. Regé-Jean Page will not be joining the cast for season two as the Duke of Hastings. While we won’t be seeing him on-screen, he will always be a part of the family. We will continue to see Daphne (Pheobe Dynevor) as she helps her brother Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) navigate the upcoming social season and find himself a Viscountess. Now I know this can be extremely upsetting news; I mean, Page is and always will be the Duke of Hastings in my eyes, but I promise you we will be okay.

RELATED: 7 Questions We Need Answered in Bridgerton Season 2

This doesn’t look to be a recasting of the character. We hopefully won’t see someone else step into his shoes. Instead, he just won’t appear in the show. Now in the novels (and I know the show and novels have been very different), the Duke of Hastings plays a very minor role in the events that will unfold over the next season and even future seasons to come. In fact, we see very little of Daphne until a few more novels in, so it is great that we will still be seeing Dynevor in her role as Daphne.

It is also important to remember that season two of Bridgerton will focus on Anthony’s search for a Viscountess because who really needs love, right? We are finally going to meet Kate (Simone Ashley) and get to check in with other members of the series. We still haven’t even scratched the surface on the other siblings! While it would have been nice to see a continuation of Simon and Daphne’s relationship, I think many people will be pleased with the amount of mystery, romance and scandal season two will bring.

And before anyone takes to social media to try and blame Shondaland/Netflix or any other parties for Page’s exit from the show, understand that this was something they all knew would come. In an exclusive interview with Variety that was released today, Page told them that the big appeal of this role was the fact that it was a short-term commitment. He shared that “I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.” Page was only contracted for the first season of the show. While I’m sure there were hopes he would reprise his role, the understanding was it was one season and done.

Page also shared with them, “I have nothing but excitement for Bridgerton continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe. But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing.” While we are saying goodbye to the Duke of Hastings, we can still find Page in future projects, including Netflix and The Russo Brothers‘ The Gray Man and the upcoming Dungeons and Dragons film with Chris Pine. And remember, if you ever want to relive the Victorian days, just binge the first season of Bridgerton all over again.

Regé-Jean Page, we wish you the best and thank you for giving us the best Duke of Hastings we have ever had.

https://twitter.com/bridgerton/status/1378015697238908929?s=20

6 Romance Book Series To Read if You Loved Bridgerton

 

 

Julia Roth
Catch Me
Latest posts by Julia Roth (see all)