Shonda Rhimes’ twist on a Regency love story in Bridgerton put the sex back into sexy time, literally. This was due in large part to the mostly female viewership loving Regé-Jean Page as the lead love interest, Simon “The Duke” Bassett. Yet just as soon as the fantasy gained traction, it was crushed by Page exiting the hit show ahead of Season 2. But with his recent Emmy nod for his steamy role, the show's creator is reflecting on the renewed hope for Page’s possible return.
Fans would certainly rejoice if Regé-Jean Page would reconsider taking on his Bridgerton role again for Season 2. Hey, maybe he'd even get more than just one Emmy nod out of the deal? For How to Get Away With Murder, Viola Davis was nominated for an Emmy three times and won one of those times. Just sayin’.) However, Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen remained rather secretive on that front. When asked about the idea of Page’s return, he told TheWrap:
It’s all very, very exciting and so I can’t tell you specific details because I don’t want to spoil it. But as you know, in Season 2, we’re following Anthony Bridgerton’s journey. And I think we’re going to be doing some really interesting things in this season, as far as with Daphne and with Anthony. And we literally see Daphne hand the baton over to Anthony. And I think viewers are going to be in for a real treat when they see what Anthony’s been up to.
When it comes to the upcoming second season, Chris Van Dusen is definitely keeping his cards close to the vest, and he's doing a skillful job, if I might add. Although his recent comments don't confirm a Season 2 return from Regé-Jean Page, such a development would certainly be the cherry atop the recent accolades. Bridgerton's runaway success turned into bonafide industry success when the Netflix original earned no less than 12 Emmy nominations, including nods for outstanding drama series, cinematography, costumes, music composition, and so on. For his lovesick role, Page was, in fact, the only cast member to receive an acting nomination.
However, 31-year-old actor Regé-Jean Page is looking beyond his one-season heartthrob arc on Bridgerton. (So is his former on-screen love interest, actress Phoebe Dynevor, for that matter.) Rumors were circulating that Page might be the next James Bond but, so far, he has been cast in the Russo Brothers’ assassin thriller, The Gray Man and the live-action Dungeons & Dragons, alongside Chris Pine.
So Regé-Jean Page might just have his hands a little too busy to have a substantial return on Bridgerton. If he did, it would be a mighty surprise, considering how his co-star Phoebe Dyvenor shared that he would most likely just be “referred to.” Creator Chris Van Dusen also shared some other insights into the next season, saying that we'll see how “the Lady Whistledown sausage gets made” and hear more of Julie Andrews as her voice-over.
But basically, if you're not a reader of the books, then you're living on a hope and a prayer on what could happen in Bridgeton’s Season 2. But I'll be watching to find out – and I think Kim Kardashian and co. might be, too. And be sure to check out our full list of this year’s Primetime Emmy nominations!
