Simon Bassett (Regé-Jean Page), Duke of Hastings, does not return for Bridgerton season 2, but the show found a way to explain his absence. The initial casting announcement disappointed many viewers who adored watching the romance between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and the Duke of Hastings in season 1, in which they pretended to court so that other eligible men would dote on Daphne while Simon would be free from having to worry about marriage. Inevitably, the pair fell in love and eventually married. but Bridgerton season 2 moved on from the Duke’s alluring spell to focus on Anthony Bridgerton’s (Jonathan Bailey) romance with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley).

Page’s Duke of Hastings quickly became a Bridgerton fan-favorite and his absence from season 2 was frustrating, but those familiar with Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series would not have found the decision surprising. Season 1 is based on the first Bridgerton book, The Duke and I, which centers on Simon and Daphne’s relationship, and each of the novels focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling. Anthony is the main character of season 2, based on the second book The Viscount Who Loved Me. While Daphne does appear periodically, her husband, the Duke of Hastings does not return for Bridgerton season 2, but the show manages to elegantly pull his absence off.

Where The Duke Of Hastings Is During Bridgerton Season 2

Since Anthony is the star of season 2, the Duke of Hastings’ story is no longer they focus of Bridgerton, which is the main reason why Page didn’t return. Due to the format of the series, Bridgerton‘s remaining unmarried characters receive greater screen time, with each season focusing on a new character. That said, the other Bridgerton children are all featured in the show (though Francesca is barely in Bridgerton season 2), and Daphne continues to visit her family home.

While visiting Anthony, Daphne recounts tales of her own happy marriage, allowing viewers to remain up-to-date on what the Duke of Hastings is up to when off-screen on Bridgerton, offering the simple explanation that Simon is busy with work and the affairs of his estate. Despite Simon being absent in Bridgerton season 2, Daphne remains a key figure in keeping her family together, playing a particularly important role in guiding Anthony’s romantic journey.

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Why It’s Good Simon Isn’t In Bridgerton Season 2

Page was the breakout star of Bridgerton season 1, and since season 2 is solely focused on Anthony’s arguably better romance with Kate, it’s for the best that Simon isn’t around, as the Duke of Hastings’ narrative is no longer necessary to the Bridgerton plot. Since Anthony and Kate are a very different couple from Simon and Daphne, this opens up the opportunity for Bridgerton to explore a new kind of romance. As the show continues, more characters will get their time to shine, giving audiences a deeper look into the Bridgerton family.

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The way that Simon is simply written off the show is lamentable but necessary. Unfortunately, there have been some sacrifices made to Simon’s characterization in order to explain his absence. The idea that the Duke of Hastings would not appear to offer Anthony support as his family threatens to fall apart, despite them being very close friends, is unlikely. Bridgerton season 2 handwaves his absence by saying Simon is busy elsewhere in service of making Anthony more isolated and the drama of his love triangle tenser. Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen spoke about Simon’s absence in season 2, suggesting that he did want Page to return as the Duke:

“We do reference Simon. In the very first scene of Season 2, Daphne mentions she left her husband and baby at home [to be there for Eloise’s debut]. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out in terms of Rege being a part of the second season, but he will always be Bridgerton ‘s Duke. He’s not going anywhere in the world of the show. And just because we don’t see him, it doesn’t mean that he’s not there.”

Why Regé-Jean Page Didn’t Return For Bridgerton Season 2

Page was only ever contracted to appear in a single season of Bridgerton. That was part of the appeal for him to accept the Duke of Hastings role in the first place, leaving him free to pursue other projects after the season wrapped. In an interview with Variety, Page explained why his one-season role on Bridgerton was actually the perfect move, and why it’s okay that he won’t be returning for Bridgerton season 2:

“It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year… [I thought] ‘That’s interesting,’ because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.”

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In the same interview, Page went on to say that he has “nothing but excitement for Bridgerton” but that “there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing.” Considering Page’s packed movie and TV show schedule, it was not worth navigating his brief availability for a small appearance in season 2. In the books, his character did not have any more story arcs to complete or major character development to undergo. Any minor references or additions to his story in the future could easily be revealed through Daphne, making it somewhat unnecessary for Page to appear as the Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton season 2.

Regé-Jean Page Says Bridgerton Can Recast The Duke Of Hastings

There could still be the chance for the Duke of Hastings to return to Bridgerton under the right circumstances. In another interview with Variety, Page was asked whether he would be opposed to Simon being recast in future seasons of the show and the actor responded:

“They’re free to do as they like. Shonda and I had a wonderful conversation at the end of Season 1. We were quite happy with how we stuck the landing on that one.”

Page sees his time on Bridgerton as over but appears to have no ill will towards anyone involved with the show. In fact, Page left Bridgerton on very good terms and simply seems finished with playing the Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton. The character could appear in future seasons but not with Page attached.