Back in 2020, Regé-Jean Page broke out on Netflix’s period romance series,Bridgerton, and now, he is finally making a project that harks back to these historical origins. Over the course of three seasons,Bridgertonhas become a global phenomenon, earning its place as one of Netflix’s most important IPs. Of course, this would not have been possible without the vision of Shonda Rimes andBridgerton’sincredibly talented and charming cast. Though he only appeared in one season, this includes Page, who portrayed Duke Simon Basset in the first season.
Page aced hisBridgertonrole, combining charisma with genuine care and kindness. He and his co-star, Phoebe Dynevor, had such strong chemistry that it was impossible not to plunge headfirst into this world of balls and teas. However, not long after audiences fell in love with Page, he revealed that he wouldnot be returning forBridgertonseason 2. This left Daphne without her dear husband, and viewers without their happily ever after. Of course,Bridgertonhas managed without Page since then, but his latest project is particularly excitingbecause of itsBridgertonties.
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Page Will Be Able To Show A New Side Of Himself
It was recently announced thatPage will be producing and starring inan adaptation of Alexander Dumas’The Count of Monte Cristo.This 1845 novel follows a young sailor who is wrongly accused of a crime and thrown in prison. Eventually, he escapes and makes it his mission to get revenge on those who betrayed him. This sets him on a path to become a powerful and wealthy count. Based on the time period and his eventual status as a count,Page’sThe Count of Monte Cristowill undoubtedly have traces ofBridgertonwithin it.
Simon got his share of tragic backstory inBridgerton,butThe Count of Monte Cristowill test Page’s ability to bring such intensity and darkness to the big screen.
The Count of Monte Cristois even more exciting because of how it differs fromBridgerton.Although Page will once again be in a position of power over others, his journey there will not be easy. Rather than focusing on balls and socializing,The Count of Monte Cristowill be concerned with power, relationships, and adversity.Simon got his share of tragic backstory inBridgerton,butThe Count of Monte Cristowill test Page’s ability to bring such intensity and darkness to the big screen. It is his chance to prove his acting abilities in ways he couldn’t onBridgerton.
Will Regé-Jean Page Ever Return To Bridgerton As Simon?
It May Be Better If Page Doesn’t Return
Despite the anticipation surroundingThe Count of Monte Cristo,many audiences are likely still wishing thatPage would return toBridgerton.Unfortunately, that does not look like a promising possibility.Bridgertonis coming up on its third season without Page, and seeing him return now would be somewhat odd.Daphne and Simon’s romance is in the past, and would only distractfrom the main relationship. Furthermore, Dyvenor has also leftBridgerton,which gives even fewer reasons for Simon to return. Page made his decision, and arguably,Bridgertondoesn’t need him.
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In terms of Page’s career, returning toBridgertonmay also be a detriment. Page has spent several years trying to sow a career outside ofBridgerton,and though he has garnered a number of roles in other projects, he has yet to really make a name for himself.Movies likeThe Count of Monte Cristoare the right avenue for Pageto go down so that he can finally gain attention for a role outside the Regency romance phenomenon.
How Regé-Jean Page’s The Count Of Monte Cristo Role Will Be Different From His Bridgerton Character
There Are Similarities To Be Found Between The Duke Of Hastings & The Count Of Monte Cristo
Giving it some measure of thought, those familiar with bothBridgertonandThe Count of Monte Cristomay swiftly start to notice some shared traits between Page’s two characters. Edmund Dantès, later known as the Count of Monte Cristo, is falsely accused of a crime, endures many harsh years in prison, escapes, and reintegrates himself into the high society of the people who wronged him in order to execute his revenge. The story admittedly sees him go down a path of redemption and making peace with what has happened, finding new love.
Page will be required to tap into a darker characterization to bring the ostentatious but very dangerous Count to life.
However, there is no denying that there is something sinister about the concept of the Count, and the harm he means to do, despite his anger being very justified. On the other hand,Simon Hastings does have a vengeful streak, having sworn to never father any children to spite his abusive father,ending the family line and legacy. However, other than this, Simon is a well-intentioned, kind figure. He only wants to do right by Daphne and her family, having fallen in love with her instantly and been friends with Anthony for many years.
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Bridgertonhas some darker storylines, but it is ultimately a very lighthearted story about the healing power of love.The Count of Monte Cristoconcerns itself with a much uglier depiction of revenge, manipulation, and suffering, rather than focusing on the ups and downs of the marriage market. At least at first, the Count is fully prepared for some collateral damage in his mission. Page will be required to tap into a darker characterization to bring the ostentatious but very dangerous Count to life, possibly drawing upon some of his other roles over the years outsideBridgerton.
What Else Regé-Jean Page Has Done Since Playing Simon In Bridgerton Season 1
Page’s Biggest Titles Since Bridgerton Are In The Action Genre
Since leavingBridgerton, Page seems to have been trying to establish himself as a major action star. He has starred inThe Gray Man, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Themes, andBlack Bag. These titles garnered different results in terms of critical reviews, but the latter two in particular saw failings at the box office more likely brought on by current industry conditions rather than quality. Page has perhaps stumbled in terms of becoming a classic action hero, but he has doubtlessly been a part of significant titles that left a mark on pop culture in some form.
As with Bridgerton, The Count of Monte Cristo is likely to show notes of what could make Page an epic action name.
In addition toThe Count of Monte Cristo, Page also has an upcoming, currently untitled Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid series in the works, in which he will be playing Butch Cassidy. However, as withBridgerton,The Count of Monte Cristois likely to show notes of what could make Page an epic action name. Some variety in his career, as well as something a touch familiar, could also go a long way, and reminding everyone of what made himthebreakout heartthrob of 2020 could lead to even more exciting titles for this beloved actor.
