The Real Story Behind Regé-Jean Page Leaving Bridgerton After Season One
Netflix has opened the doors to the Ton once again with the release of Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1. This time, the spotlight is on Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson. His story kicks off with a dreamy masquerade ball and a mysterious woman who turns his world upside down. Fans finally get the romance they have been waiting for, but many are still noticing one familiar face missing from the ballroom.
Regé-Jean Page is still not part of the series. He has not returned as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, since the very first season. Even years later, viewers continue to ask why he walked away just as the show exploded into a worldwide hit.
The actor previously explained his choice in an interview with Vanity Fair. According to Page, the decision was never about fame or avoiding being seen as a heartthrob. For him, the story simply felt finished. He said he saw the role as something with a clear beginning, middle, and end. I signed up to do a job, and I did the job, and then I did some other jobs, he shared.
Page felt that Simon and Daphne’s love story had already been told. Stretching it out just because the show became popular did not sit right with him. He added that the creative team wrapped up the storyline properly, and he did not want to stay just to invent new plot points. In his words, we finished the story, and changing that would have taken away from what made it work.
Since leaving Bridgerton, Page has stayed busy with a wide range of roles. He recently appeared in Steven Soderbergh’s spy thriller Black Bag alongside Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. The film was released in late 2025 and marked another step away from period romance. He also has a lighter project on the way, starring in the romantic comedy You, Me and Tuscany with Halle Bailey.
The actor has said he wants roles that let him explore different worlds and characters. He once described his goal as wanting to broaden the cultural lens through his work. From fantasy films like Dungeons and Dragons to intense thrillers, he has made it clear he does not want to be tied to just one image.
Bridgerton continues to move forward by focusing on a new love story each season. While Simon Basset is no longer part of the series, his impact is still felt. That first season helped turn the show into what it is today, and many fans still hold onto the hope of a surprise return.
Do you prefer Bridgerton with a new couple every season, or do you still wish the Duke of Hastings would walk back into the Ton one more time? Share your thoughts in the comments.
