He has been the subject of much speculation over his signing to play James Bond and an alleged feud with Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes.
Yet Regé-Jean Page avoided controversy by landing in Belfast on Monday to begin filming Dungeons And Dragons, a 2022 fantasy adventure film also starring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez and Judge Smith.
The 31-year-old TV hunk cut a low-key figure as he arrived with a mask firmly in place while carrying his luggage and preparing to launch his new project.
He’s there! Regé-Jean Page avoided controversy by landing in Belfast on Monday to begin filming Dungeons And Dragons, a 2022 fantasy adventure film also starring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez and Judge Smith.
His appearance comes after Bridgerton executive producer Shonda ‘rejected’ the idea that creative differences were the reason for his exit from the Netflix show.
In a recent interview, she first referred to the actor’s departure from the popular drama of the day, saying she was “shocked” by fans’ response to the news.
Still, she stopped talking about being behind the decision, telling Vanity Fair, “ There are a lot of incredibly interesting discussions going on, mainly because I think people have a hard time letting go. ”
She also dismissed claims that Regé-Jean turned down a deal for cameo appearances in Bridgerton’s second season, after it was reported that her lesser role in the following season was at the root of her reason. to quit the series.
Heading in: The TV hunk, 31, cut an understated figure as he arrived with a mask firmly in place while carrying his luggage and preparing to launch his new project
Rumors: His appearance comes after Bridgerton executive producer Shonda ‘rejected’ the idea that creative differences were the reason for his exit from the Netflix show
Reiterating that she had only entered into a one-season contract with the star, Shonda said she did not expect “such an explosion” from viewers.
The news that the actor, 31, is reportedly not returning as the Duke of Hastings in season two sparked fury, grief and speculation among fans earlier this month.
While Shonda said she was “ shocked ” by fans’ response to the news and didn’t expect “ so much explosion ” from viewers, she said that that means she had done her job well.
Regé-Jean rose to global stardom after appearing as the handsome idiot Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings, in the show’s first season, which centered on his character’s romance with lead lady Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe dynevor
She said: ‘I was really shocked [at the reaction], because it usually happens when I have killed someone who has been around for a while. Like, we didn’t kill him, he’s still alive!
Shonda said the overwhelming response from fans means she has done her job well, as it means she has chosen an actor that audiences find ‘extremely attractive’ and to whom ‘incredibly over-attached’ .
A source previously told Page Six that Regé-Jean’s decision to leave Bridgerton was actually sparked by tensions with Shonda that her character was not going to be the ‘focal point’ of season two. .
“Regé is not coming back to Bridgerton due to creative differences with Shonda Rhimes and her team,” a “Hollywood source” told the publication.
Getting out: Shonda said the overwhelming response from fans means she’s done her job well, as it means she’s picked an actor that audiences find ‘extremely attractive’ and becomes ‘incredibly too attached’ ‘
“ He wasn’t happy with what was planned for his character for season two which would have kept him a player but not the focal point of the series. ”
Regé-Jean rose to global stardom after appearing as the handsome idiot Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings, in the show’s first season, which centered on his character’s romance with lead lady Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor.
Netflix said in the first 28 days that the show was live, Bridgerton aired in 82 million homes, and it wasn’t surprising when it was renewed for a second season in January.
At the time, the streaming giant revealed that the second installment of episodes would focus on Daphne’s brother Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey, and his quest to find a wife, although it was initially suggested. that Daphne and Simon would still feature in the show, but not in the lead roles.
No surprise: Adjoa Andoh, who plays Lady Danbury in Netflix’s Bridgerton, said on Thursday that Regé-Jean Page’s departure before season 2 was part of the ‘show arc’