How 'Bridgerton' Continued to Reference the Duke of Hastings Post Rege-Jean Page's Exit
Discover how Netflix's 'Bridgerton' creatively keeps the Duke of Hastings in the spotlight even after Rege-Jean Page's departure from the series.
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Regé-Jean Page‘s absence as Simon Basset was felt on Bridgerton — but it wasn’t mentioned.
It appeared that Page's absence as the Duke of Hastings in the second season was almost as if he was not originally planned to be part of it. In his place, Daphne Bridgerton (played by Phoebe Dynevor) took center stage and shared a peek at the couple's son, Augie.
Fans of Bridgerton were surprised when the actor revealed he would not be coming back for future episodes. However, he clarified that he had never planned to return for season 2.
"He mentioned to Variety in April 2021 that the show has a one-season arc with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This allows the audience to know that the storyline will be completed within a year. In the romance genre, this certainty gives the viewers a sense of emotional investment as they anticipate the eventual marriage and baby."
"Dynevor surprised fans in January 2023 when she revealed to Screen Rant that her character, Daphne, would not be returning for season 3. While she hinted at a possible return in the future, she expressed her excitement to watch the upcoming season as a viewer. The decision to exclude Daphne from the next chapter was not explained by either Dynevor or the creative team behind Bridgerton, leading to the absence of Page's character in the storyline."
Scroll on for all the ways Bridgerton mentioned the Duke of Hastings in his absence:
How Rege Jean Page Absence Was Addressed During Bridgerton Season 2
Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix
All the Times ‘Bridgerton’ Addressed the Duke of Hastings After Rege-Jean Page’s Departure
Regé-Jean Page's absence as Simon Basset was noticeable on Bridgerton, even though it was not acknowledged.
His character's sudden disappearance as the Duke of Hastings appeared to be handled as if it was always planned for him not to return for the second season. In his place, Daphne Bridgerton (played by Phoebe Dynevor) took center stage and showed a glimpse of the couple's son, Augie.
The actor surprised fans of Bridgerton by announcing that he would not be returning for future storylines. However, he clarified that he never planned to be part of season 2.
In an interview with Variety in April 2021, he explained that the show was designed to have a single-season arc with a clear beginning, middle, and end. He mentioned that discussions with the producers from the start focused on this aspect.
He highlighted that one unique aspect of the romance genre is that the audience knows the story will have a complete arc. This knowledge allows the creators to play with the audience's emotions, knowing that there will be a satisfying conclusion with marriage and a baby.
When season 2 of Bridgerton premiered, fans were surprised to learn that Daphne, played by Dynevor, would not be returning for season 3. Dynevor shared in an interview that she won't be a part of the upcoming season, but maybe in the future. The reason for her absence was not revealed by either Dynevor or the show's creators. Consequently, the character played by Page, the Duke of Hastings, was not mentioned in season 3.
How Rege Jean Page Absence Was Addressed During Bridgerton Season 2
Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix
Daphne's Sacrifice
Daphne made a sacrifice by leaving her husband and child at home to support her sister Eloise during her first social season. As she waited for Eloise's debut, she reminded her siblings of the personal sacrifice she had made to be there for her younger sister.
How Rege Jean Page Absence Was Addressed During Bridgerton Season 2 Phoebe Dynevor
Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix
His Relationship
Daphne offered a glimpse at her life with the Duke of Hastings since they welcomed their first child.
Daphne told Lady Bridgerton that just when she thinks her marriage with Simon has become easy, they always discover new things about each other. It can be annoying, but also rewarding at the same time.
How Rege Jean Page Absence Was Addressed During Bridgerton Season 2
Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix
His Past
Anthony thought about his friend after receiving relationship advice from Daphne.
"I really miss His Grace. You've been quite nosy in the Duke's absence, haven't you?" the eldest Bridgerton said to his sister during season 2.
Editor's P/S:
Page's absence as Simon Basset in "Bridgerton" sparked both surprise and intrigue among fans. Despite not being mentioned directly, his character's presence was subtly acknowledged through the actions and dialogue of other characters. This approach allowed the show to maintain continuity while acknowledging his departure.
The decision to exclude Page from subsequent seasons was reportedly made due to the show's one-season arc format. However, the lingering impact of his character suggests that his departure may have been more complex. The references to his relationship with Daphne and his influence on Anthony's decision-making highlight the significance of his absence. By balancing the acknowledgement of his character with the introduction of new storylines, "Bridgerton" successfully navigated the challenge of Page's departure while keeping the audience engaged.
