Fans were devastated to learn that The Duke of Hastings would not appear in season 2 of Bridgerton, after Regé-Jean Page stole hearts across the world in season 1.
Season 2 of Bridgerton, which is currently available to watch on Netflix, has introduced new characters as the plot shifts focus from Simon and Daphne to concentrate on Anthony Bridgerton’s romance with Kate Sharma.
But why won’t Regé-Jean Page return for the second season of the hit Netflix drama?
Why is Regé-Jean Page not in Bridgerton season 2?
Regé-Jean Page will not be in the second season of Bridgerton, simply because his character, the Duke of Hastings Simon Basset, is not a major character in the second book. Although he is briefly mentioned by Daphne, Simon himself will not appear.
The Bridgerton TV show is based on a series of eight books by Julia Quinn. Each book focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling: Daphne, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Eloise, Francesca, Hyacinth, and Gregory.
The first book, titled The Duke and I, tells the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, played by Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page, respectively in the first season of the Netflix show.
However, the second season is based on the second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, which features Anthony’s romance with Kate, played by Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley, respectively.
Although The Duke was a fan favourite in season 1, his character doesn’t have a major part to play in the new season.