
On April 13, Rhimes joked to Vanity Fair about the swift backlash to Page’s departure: “We didn’t even kill him!” In all seriousness, she noted the outcry was a credit to the actor’s work on the show.
New simon in bridgerton series#
Page Six reported on April 12 that Page departed the series due to “creative differences” over Simon’s trajectory in new seasons, but neither Netflix, Rhimes, nor Page himself confirmed the report. Shonda Rhimes understands why he moved on from Bridgerton after season 1. Rhimes later confirmed to Vanity Fair that Page only signed a contract for season 1. He just wrapped production on the Russo Brothers’ film The Gray Man and is about to start filming Dungeons and Dragons in Ireland. The actor reportedly turned down the offer in order to focus on making movies. “Sources say the production reached out to Page’s camp in January or February with an offer to return-after he and the show broke out-even though plans for season 2 never included his character, Simon. On April 6, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Page was never supposed to appear in season 2. “But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing.” Page was not expected to return for season 2. “I have nothing but excitement for Bridgerton continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe,” he said. Page told Variety he’s looking forward to watching the show continue without him. “They come in knowing that, so you can tie people in emotional knots because they have that reassurance that we’re going to come out and we’re going to have the marriage and the baby.”

“One of the things that is different about this genre is that the audience knows the arc completes,” he said. It made sense for Simon and Daphne’s love story to span a single season.


In that April 2 interview with Variety, Page explained that the Julia Quinn book series is an anthology that gives focus to a different sibling’s love story in each book. Page knew his arc would only last one season. Since the news broke, multiple outlets have reported on Page’s true reason for leaving.
