Regé-Jean Page Gives Approval To "Bridgerton" Character Simon Basset Being Recast

If the character of Simon Basset is ever recast, it will have blessings from actor Regé-Jean Pag, who played the popular role originally in Bridgerton Season 1. The actor received acclaim for his performance as the royalty, Duke of Hastings, however, her left the show after the first season.

Regé-Jean Page recently commented on the possibility of Simon Basset recast in the periodic romance-drama series Bridgerton. The actor happily welcomed the recast of his character-Duke of Hastings. The reaction came since speculations are doing rounds that the executive producer of the show, Shonda Rhimes, will be bringing in a new actor to play the character. The first season of Bridgerton was based on the first novel of Julia Quinn's novel series by the same name. It focused on the romance between Daphne and Simon Basset.

Simon Basset recast: Here's what the actor has to say about it

Speaking about the rumours, Page said in an interview that the creators are free to do as they like. "Shonda and I had a wonderful conversation at the end of Season 1," he told Variety and continued, "We were quite happy with how we stuck the landing on that one."

The British actor also added that he was grateful for all the love he received playing the Duke of Hastings and that he is yet to catch up on the second season of the Netflix series. He said, "We did so well on that redemptive arc that people forget that Simon was kind of horrific. He was the best example of a Regency f- -kboy that any of us had come across."

Page confirmed last year that he will not be returning on the sets of Bridgerton for another season. Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes had no hard feelings towards his decision. "People’s attachment to couples is real — I mean, I know that better than anybody. And I think that means success. But I do understand their despair," she mentioned in an interview.

Rhimes further confirmed that now that Page is a big star, it is unlikely that he will return to reprise his role. "He’s an enormous star now. As I like to say, the idea that we would write Regé to stand around in the background doesn’t make any sense at all to me. ‘What would he do?’ is what I like to say," she remarked.

Suggested Reading: Bridgerton Season 3 Cast: Replacements, New Additions And Lead Characters Confirmed!

Regé-Jean Page will be next seen in Russo Brothers' The Gray Man set for a limited theatrical release on July 15, 2022 and OTT release on July 22, 2022.