Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes explains why Regé-Jean Page is being left out of season two
Show boss said suggestion of bringing him back ‘didn’t make any sense’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bridgerton’s executive producer Shonda Rhimes has said that a potential cameo for Regé-Jean Page in season two “doesn’t make sense”.
Page played the Duke of Hastings in the first season of the hit Netflix period drama, but will not be returning for the second.
His exit was announced in April, with the actor revealing that it was always understood his character would feature only in season one.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Rhimes and Netflix executive Bela Bajaria addressed the decision to leave Page out.
Bajaria stated that the Bridgerton novel series by Julia Quinn, upon which the series is based, “really dictated what we did”.
“We want talent to have an amazing experience and tell the story they’re telling authentically, not, ‘Oh, can you just come over here and do this little thing?’ Like, is that satisfying? Is that what actors want to do? [Page] delivered on his story,” she said.
“I was just excited about the idea of being able to tell a complete romantic tale that has an end, where you’re not finding 14 other reasons why the couple can’t be together or frankly having Regé stand in the background of somebody else’s romance,” said Rhimes, adding: “That doesn’t make sense.”
The producer and Grey’s Anatomy creator also said: “I’m so surprised that everybody is [losing it over a character we’ve watched] for eight episodes leaving. But obviously Regé is an amazing actor and he did an amazing thing and people responded.”
Bridgerton is available to stream on Netflix now.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments