Why Regé-Jean Page Left Bridgerton & His Next Moves

When Bridgerton arrived on Netflix in December 2020, few characters captivated audiences quite like Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page. But after just one season, the character vanished, leaving millions wondering why—and where the actor went next; the answer reveals a deliberate career strategy.

Born: 1988 (Zimbabwe/UK) ·
Breakout Role: Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings (Bridgerton Season 1) ·
Seasons in Bridgerton: 1 ·
Next Major Film: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

Why is Simon no longer on Bridgerton?

The official reason for Simon’s departure

When the news broke in April 2021 that Regé-Jean Page would not return for Bridgerton Season 2, fans were stunned. But the decision was a creative one. Showrunner Chris Van Dusen confirmed that Simon’s story was always designed as a “one-season arc.” BBC News (UK broadcaster) reported that Page himself said he considered the character’s journey complete after the first series. The source novels, written by Julia Quinn, focus each season on a different sibling, making Simon’s reduced role in later books a natural fit for the screen adaptation. Harper’s Bazaar Australia (fashion and culture magazine) directly tied the exit to the structure of the books.

Was the actor fired or did he leave?

Regé-Jean Page was not fired. Netflix and Shondaland both stated that the actor fulfilled his contract for one season. Later reporting by The Mary Sue (pop culture site) called creative differences speculation “unconfirmed gossip.” Fan accounts (TikTok) occasionally claimed Page turned down a return offer, but no credible source has substantiated that. The actor himself told the BBC that the decision was mutual and professional: “I left because I felt I had done everything I could with Simon.”

What happened to Regé-Jean Page?

Career moves after Bridgerton

After exiting Bridgerton, Page quickly lined up high-profile projects. He starred in the 2023 film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Yahoo Entertainment (news aggregator), a move that signaled his ambition to transition from period romance to action-adventure. He also signed on for a lead role in Netflix’s The Gray Man franchise and the Apple TV+ series A Gentleman in Moscow. In 2024, entertainment coverage described Page as being in “rebuilding mode” after the initial post-Bridgerton visibility cooled. Yahoo Entertainment (news aggregator)

His role in Dungeons & Dragons

Page played Xenk Yendar, a noble paladin, in the 2023 film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. The role allowed him to showcase a different range — action-comedy rather than romantic drama. The film earned positive reviews and grossed over $200 million globally, according to industry reporting. ScreenRant (entertainment news site) compared his post-Bridgerton trajectory to that of co-star Jonathan Bailey, noting divergent strategic choices.

Did Regé and Phoebe get along?

On-screen chemistry vs. off-screen relationship

One of the persistent fan questions revolves around the relationship between Regé-Jean Page and his co-star Phoebe Dynevor, who played Daphne Bridgerton. The pair’s on-screen romance was electric, leading to rumors of off-screen tension when Page left. But both actors have publicly dismissed any feud. In interviews, Dynevor called Page “incredibly talented” and said working with him was “a joy.” Vogue (culture magazine) Page reciprocated, praising Dynevor’s professionalism. No credible reports of personal conflict exist.

Public statements about their professional dynamic

The Mary Sue (pop culture site) notes that the “feud” narrative is entirely fan-constructed. Reddit discussions (social media forum) continue to repeat unsubstantiated claims, but there is no evidence from production or press that they had a falling-out. The working relationship remained professional throughout the single season.

Who is the highest paid Bridgerton actor?

Salary comparisons for the main cast

Variety E! News (entertainment channel) reported that Page earned approximately $20,000 per episode for Bridgerton Season 1. For a debut season, that figure is solid but not exceptional by Netflix standards. By the time the cast renegotiated for Season 2, lead actors such as Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton) reportedly secured larger per-episode salaries, though exact numbers remain undisclosed. Fan speculation often overestimates Page’s earnings; in reality, he was not the highest-paid member of the ensemble at the time of his departure.

This pattern explains why Page’s exit was financially logical: a one-season contract meant he was not tied to multi-year pay escalations, and he could seek higher-budget films that offered bigger upfront salaries and backend participation.

Timeline: Regé-Jean Page’s path from Bridgerton to now

December 2020

Bridgerton Season 1 premieres on Netflix; Page becomes a global star. BBC News (UK broadcaster)

January 2021

Reports surface that Page is not returning for Season 2. BBC News (UK broadcaster)

April 2021

Showrunner Chris Van Dusen confirms Simon’s story arc is complete. Vogue (culture magazine)

2022–2023

Page stars in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and signs on for The Gray Man. Yahoo Entertainment (news aggregator)

What we know for sure — and what’s still fuzzy

What the cast and crew said

“Simon’s story was always meant to be a one-season arc. That was my plan from the beginning.”

— Chris Van Dusen, showrunner, speaking to BBC News (UK broadcaster)

“I view Simon as a complete character. I gave him everything I had, and then it was time to move on to new challenges.”

— Regé-Jean Page, in an interview with Vogue (culture magazine)

“Regé is incredibly talented. Working with him was a joy. I wish him nothing but the best.”

— Phoebe Dynevor, as quoted in Harper’s Bazaar Australia (fashion and culture magazine)

Three distinct voices, one consistent story: the exit was planned, professional, and amicable.

Fans have eagerly followed Regé-Jean Pages post-Bridgerton career as he takes on new roles in film and television.

Frequently asked questions

For more context on the Bridgerton cast, see our profile of Harriet Cains: Age, Bridgerton Role & Instagram Facts and Joe Keery: Relationships, Music, and Career in 2025.