Bridgerton season 2: everything else you need to know

Not only can we confirm that Bridgerton season 2 is on its way but *breaking news* one of its heartthrob leading men won’t be returning to the hit Netflix series. 

Stay tuned for all of the intel we have so far on the Bridgerton season 2...

Will Regé-Jean Page be in Bridgerton season 2?

Alas, Regé-Jean Page will not be returning to play the dashing Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton season 2. 

This latest news throws a bit of a wrench in previous details that we’ve heard about  the second season of the streamer’s Regency-era series, which has been said to have shades of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s real-life backstory. 

After Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Oprah Winfrey interview, actress Adjoa Andoh—who plays Bridgerton’s Lady Danbury—got us all excited, as she hinted in an interview with Entertainment Tonight that Simon (Regé-Jean Page) and Daphne’s (Phoebe Dynevor) journey as new parents will draw some parallels to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s experience. 

Andoh said: “I just think we're going to see how Phoebe and Regé’s characters, Daphne and Simon, navigate being in love, very in lust still, but with a new baby in their lives. Having to navigate and negotiate that between each other, between their families, and between their wider social circles. Yeah, it’s going to be interesting... [And with Simon], how do you father when you haven’t even fathered [or had a father]?" 

Sadly, now we know Regé-Jean Page is not returning, we are unlikely to find out much about the Duke and Duchess of Hastings’ married life, as was previously hinted at.

The Instagram announcement of his departure, written à la gossip from Lady Whistledown herself, does suggest that actress Phoebe Dynevor and her character Daphne Bridgerton will return for Bridgerton season 2: “Daphne will remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season and what it has to offer—more intrigue and romance than my readers may be able to bear.”

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When is the Bridgerton season 2 release date?

The Netflix series will reportedly begin filming again in spring 2021—so it seems likely that 2022 will be when fans see their favorite Bridgerton characters return to screen.   

Who is the cast for Bridgerton season 2?

Netflix has announced some exciting additions to the already first-class cast, which includes the likes of Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, and acting sensation Julie Andrews as the show's narrator, the mysterious Lady Whistledown.

Off additions to the cast, Netflix posted in typical Bridgerton fashion: “Dear Readers, it seems we have a few new faces in the Ton. Do try your best to welcome them generously. I know I certainly will...”

Four new talents are joining the Bridgerton family tree for season two. Simone Ashley was recently cast as Bridgerton's Kate Sharma, who will be the love interest for Anthony. Now, Charithra Chandran has been cast to play Edwina Sharma, Kate’s younger sister, and Shelley Conn (from Liar), will play Mary Sharma, Kate’s mother.

Two new male characters have also been announced. Calam Lynch will play Theo Sharpe, and Rupert Young will play Jack. So although we have bid farewell to dreamboat Regé-Jean Page, at least we have some new faces appearing in season two.

Safe to say we’ve got plenty to look forward to with the Bridgerton clan! The second season is sure to be just as juicy as the first—fans won’t be disappointed.

What will happen in Bridgerton season 2?

With the announcement of the second season, Lady Whistedown alluded to what fans can expect to see in the show's sophomore season. In a special edition of her Society Paper, she revealed that Bridgerton season 2 will focus on finding the perfect suitor for the family's eldest son, Anthony. 

Fans of the books by Julia Quinn have pointed out that Regé’s departure is not really a surprise, as each book focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling. The second book, The Viscount who Loved Me, focuses on Anthony Bridgerton’s love life. 

And not only will there be a second season but seasons 3 and 4, as well. According to Bridgerton showrunner Chris Van Dusen, we can expect a whopping eight seasons of the show if he has it his way. 

Speaking to Collider, he said: “This being a family of eight children and there being eight books, I would love to be able to focus and really tell stories and love stories for all the Bridgerton siblings. For each character, for sure. I would love that.”

Van Dusen went onto reiterate that season one was “primarily about Daphne and her love story with Simon” but that there is much more to delve into, especially as the show is based on the eight novels of Julia Quinn. 

Similarly, back in December, a source told The Sun newspaper: “With so much material to work with, there’s every chance it could develop into multiple series. And it's fair to say it has an added edge that Downton didn’t have.”

The cast is also expressing how much they want to develop their characters and stories. Actress Nicola Coughlan—previously known for her role in Derry Girls—says she would love to explore more of her character Penelope Featherington.

She told the Radio Times: “I’d love to go on that journey with her, to see how she’s changed. I’d really love to come back because I feel like we’ve just scratched the surface. And because there’s such a huge cast in this show, there’s so much more of all the characters.”