"They're free to do as they like."
The break-out star from season one sounds like he's done with the period drama for good.
If Netflix wants The Duke of Hastings back on screen, they're going to have to recast him. Regé-Jean Page, who played the rollercoaster role in season one of 'Bridgerton', has made it clear that he's not going to return to the franchise in the future.
While promoting his first film role in 'The Gray Man' this week opposite Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans and Ana de Armas, the 34-year-old admitted that he's probably not about to head back to play the "Regency f*ckboy" anytime soon.
Speaking with Variety at the Netflix premiere last night, Page was quizzed about whether he'd seen season two of the drama yet. Responding "I haven't caught it. I haven't caught up on it", he was then asked about what he thinks about his role being recast.
To this, he said: "I mean, they're free to do as they like! Shonda [Rhimes, executive producer] and I had a wonderful conversation at the end of season one. We were quite happy with how we stuck the landing on that one."
'Bridgerton' season one was a global success for the streamer, thanks to some incredibly steamy scenes blended with a clever 'Gossip Girl'-esque narrator spreading gossip around the Ton. It helped launch the careers of the main cast into the stratosphere, and alongside Page's profile getting a boost, Nicola Coughlan, Phoebe Dynevor and Jonathan Bailey also became eagerly sought-after actors.
Next up for Page is being part of the star-studded cast of 'Dungeons & Dragons', set for release next year, which also stars Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, Sophia Lillis, Justice Smith and more.
It's a pity then that should The Duke of Hastings ever return, that Regé-Jean Page wouldn't mind if Shondaland and Netflix recast his 'Bridgerton' character. What would Lady Whistledown say to that?