Ever since Regé-Jean Page dropped that bombshell earlier this year that he wasn’t going to be in Bridgerton season 2, I’ve often caught myself wondering what the bloody point is anymore. Just kidding (not really), I’ll still watch season 2 because I am a slut for period dramas. However, I’m still confused about the actor’s exit, because Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne Bridgerton) is currently on set filming season 2 without her on-screen husband, played by Page.
For fans who have read all eight books in author Julia Quinn‘s Bridgerton series, you’ll know that every single one focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling. The show is the same. While season 1 is about Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke, season 2 is about Anthony B (Jonathan Bailey) and his incoming love interest Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley).
Daphne and the Duke, AKA Simon Basset, are still in the second book, but they’re not the main characters anymore. They’re, quite literally, supporting characters who help Anthony [SPOILERSSSS].
In an interview with The Wrap about season 2, Dynevor was asked about how things will work without Page on set.
“I think he’ll definitely be referred to a lot,” Dynevor explained. “I think we’ll see the baby.”
That is an absolute spoiler, if you haven’t watched the series yet.
“And we’ll just focus more on her relationship with the Bridgerton Family.”
So, uh, it sounds like there’s going to be a lot of “oh, he’s just in the toilets” chatter (or the ye olde equivalent) in season 2. I don’t know if this is a sustainable fix, really, especially if Netflix do intend on taking this series to an eighth season. And that’s why I wholeheartedly believe Page will return to cameo in the show. He has to, he must. Please.
Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen is keen on adapting all eight books, by the way. He said so in an interview with Collider earlier this year.
“I would love to be able to focus and really tell stories and love stories for all the Bridgerton siblings,” Van Dusen said. “For each character, for sure.”
And since Bridgerton was watched by 82 million households in its first month, it’s no surprise that it’s already been renewed for a third and fourth season.
Lock in the last four, I reckon.
