The Hollywood Reporter has released part one of its annual Emmy Roundtable, allowing a chance for actors to meet, for the first time, and discuss the experiences of their diverse acting careers. The first set of conversations features actors John Boyega, Jonathan Majors, Josh O’Connor, Chris Rock, and Regé-Jean Page all experiencing new heights of their careers, and although the discussion involved many notable tales, it was Page's confirmation of why he would not be returning to season 2 of Bridgerton that was most attention-grabbing.
Although Page has only recently grabbed global recognition, he has built an impressive resume in England. And yes, Bridgerton was a groundbreaking period piece that showcased the power of diverse casting, but it’s no secret that the must-watch ingredient to the show's success was Page and his steamy sex scenes, which unfortunately isn't enough motivation to have the actor return. Once it was announced that Page would not be returning for season 2, my first thought was ’he doesn’t want to do sex scenes anymore,” and in part, that’s true. Were Page to return for a second season, he would inevitably be reduced to a sexual figure for the show, an aspect he was never prepared for. Speaking in regards to the series' sex scenes, “I wasn’t sufficiently prepared, and I was there...I think people were grateful for the intensity of the romantic aspects of Bridgerton; I’m not sure how grateful I was to watch it for myself. It was overwhelming.” With his character arc completed and the next season moving on to the next Bridgerton child in line to marry, it would not benefit the series to bring the actor back just for the sake of having him. In the meantime, Page is setting his sights on better things and bigger screens.
Fans will have their next opportunity to see him on screens as he is currently filming Dungeons & Dragons due in theaters on November 19, 2021. Read the full article interview here.
