When season one of Bridgerton was released on Netflix in December 2020, viewers around the world quickly became enamoured by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, played by Regé opposite Phoebe Dynevor as debutante Daphne Bridgerton.
In April this year, it was confirmed that Regé would not be returning alongside his co-star, breaking hearts across the globe as the actor described the ‘pleasure and privilege’ of being a part of the show.
While the announcement may not have come as too big as a shock to those who have read the books, as each tale in the series focuses on a different sibling in the Bridgerton family, Shonda has revealed that they actually considered weaving Simon back into the narrative due to the intense response his departure had on fans.
Speaking to Variety, Shonda – who produced the drama – said that it wouldn’t ‘make any sense’ to have Regé ‘stand around in the background’ in future seasons now that he’s ‘an enormous star’.
Recalling how ‘everybody lost their minds’ when it was revealed he was leaving, she explained how they ended up inviting the 31-year-old back as a result.
‘Rightfully, he said, “I signed up to do this one lovely story, this closed-ended storyline. I’m good!”’ she said.
‘And I don’t blame him for that. I think that he was really smart to leave the perfection as the perfection.’
Despite only one season being out so far, Netflix has already renewed Bridgerton for four seasons.
Nonetheless, it looks like at least eight seasons could be on the cards, considering there are eight Bridgerton siblings, as written in the novels by Julia Quinn.
‘There are eight Bridgerton siblings, and as far as I’m concerned, there are eight Bridgerton seasons. And maybe more,’ Shonda said. Here’s hoping!
TV producer and screenwriter Shonda is the creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, as well as working as a producer on How To Get Away With Murder.
Filming for the second season of Bridgerton is currently underway, which will see the eldest of the Bridgerton siblings, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), meet his match with newcomer Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley).
Bridgerton is available to watch on Netflix.
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