Bridgerton showrunner Shonda Rhimes shuts down rumors Regé-Jean Page quit after two butt heads during filming
BRIDGERTON showrunner Shonda Rhimes shut down rumors Regé-Jean Page quit after the pair butt heads during filming. Recent reports suggested the Duke of Hastings actor, 31, sacrificed his role on the Netflix smash hit because he didn’t like what was planned for his character. However, Shonda has rubbished rumors of a feud – and says […]
BRIDGERTON showrunner Shonda Rhimes shut down rumors Regé-Jean Page quit after the pair butt heads during filming.
Recent reports suggested the Duke of Hastings actor, 31, sacrificed his role on the Netflix smash hit because he didn’t like what was planned for his character.
However, Shonda has rubbished rumors of a feud – and says the character’s story has come to a natural end.
Speaking to Vanity Fair about the outpouring of grief from fans, she said: “I was really shocked, because usually that happens when I’ve killed off somebody that’s been around for a while.
“Like, we didn’t kill him, he’s still alive! [Regé-Jean] is a powerful, amazing actor and that meant we did our job—every season, our job is finding the right people and putting together this incredible, world-shifting romance.
“I don’t know that I expected this much of an explosion, given that every book [in the Bridgerton series] is a different romance.
“What would be the ever-after of this combo? I mean, really: What would Regé-Jean do, you know what I mean? We gave them their happily ever after! And now we have this next couple coming. And so yeah, I was like, whoa!”
The original rumours said Regé-Jean wasn’t happy with the future of his character Simon Basset.
A Hollywood source told Page Six: “Regé is not coming back to Bridgerton because of creative differences with [executive producer] Shonda Rhimes and her team.
The source added: “He wasn’t happy with what was planned for his character for Season 2, which would have kept him a player but not the focal point of the show.”
They also said: “”If you look at all the big names who have left [Rhimes’ hit show] Grey’s Anatomy in the past, you see you don’t disagree with Shonda, nobody is bigger than the show,” adding that Regé is leaving on good terms despite the “creative differences.”
Season 2 of Bridgerton will now focus on Daphne’s brother, Anthony, finding love and settling down.
The hit show has also been renewed for season three and four – before the second season even finished filming.
Taking to Twitter, the streamer announced: “BREAKING NEWS FROM THE TON.
“Bridgerton is returning for seasons three AND four!”
Fan were absolutely thrilled by the news and took to the comments section in delight.
“Absolutely buzzing! Bring on season 2,” one gushed.
“Long may it continue, I’m fully addicted,” a second chimed in.
While a third simply gushed: “Best news ever.”
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Bridgerton broke Netflix records when it dropped late last year.
The eight-part series, which launched on Christmas Day, proved to be Netflix’s most-watched show in 83 countries including the UK, France and the US.
Bridgerton has snatched the top spot from the previous record-holder, fantasy drama The Witcher, which received 76million streams in its first 28 days.
The show follows Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter of a powerful and wealthy family, as she tries to meet a man to marry.