Bridgerton Showrunner Vows to Reunite All Original Leads—Including Regé-Jean Page

The Duke May Finally Return to the Ton

The Duke of Hastings hasn't graced the ballrooms of Mayfair in six long years, but if Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell has her way, that drought is about to end. In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, Brownell dropped a bombshell: she is actively dreaming of a future where all the former leads—including the wildly popular Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor—make a triumphant comeback.

“I would love to one day have all of the leads come back,” Brownell confessed, sending fans into a frenzy. The idea isn't just wishful thinking; it's tied to the emotional arc of the Bridgerton family saga, especially as the series eyes the stories of the youngest siblings, Hyacinth and Gregory.

The Missing Duke and the Return of Daphne

Regé-Jean Page’s Simon, the brooding Duke of Hastings, was the breakout star of Season 1. His electric chemistry with Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne Bridgerton defined the show’s early magic. Yet Page shockingly exited after the first season, never to return—even for cameo appearances. While Dynevor did pop back for Season 2 to guide her brother Anthony through the marriage mart, she skipped Seasons 3 and 4. Brownell’s comments mark the first real hint that both stars could be wooed back.

“I think it would be really meaningful, especially when I think forward to Hyacinth and Gregory's story,” Brownell explained. “Daphne and Anthony, and their partners, are such paternal/maternal figures for those younger kids. So I would be very interested in trying to get some of those previous leads back for the later run of the show.”

No Conversations Yet—But Hope Springs Eternal

Despite the tantalizing prospect, Brownell admitted that no official talks have taken place. “I haven't spoken to Regé about that. The conversations haven't happened, but the ideas are there,” she told PEOPLE. This leaves the door wide open for speculation: could the Duke and Duchess of Hastings finally grace the screen again? Page has remained famously mum on the subject, while Dynevor has openly expressed interest in returning.

The showrunner’s comments come as Season 4 Part 2 streams on Netflix, bringing back fan-favorite couple Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (Simone Ashley). Their initial absence in Part 1—they were in India celebrating the birth of their son Edmund—was intentional, allowing Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) to struggle with family responsibilities. “For Benedict, it was important for Anthony to be elsewhere,” Brownell noted. “Benedict’s sense of responsibility, or lack thereof, is a bit of a runner that we’re following with Benedict's journey. For Anthony to be in India — or later in Aubrey Hall — it allows Benedict the chance to rise or to fail. With that being said, it also felt incredibly important to bring Anthony back. Because the relationship with Benedict is so key between the first and the second parts.”

The Real Story Behind the Duke’s Exit

Regé-Jean Page’s departure after Season 1 remains one of the most talked-about moments in streaming history. The actor revealed just four months after the season’s premiere that he would not return for Season 2, stunning fans and critics alike. Since then, Page has built a thriving Hollywood career, starring in films like The Gray Man and the upcoming Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. His absence from the show has been a constant point of curiosity, with many wondering if the Duke would ever ride back into town.

Phoebe Dynevor, meanwhile, has balanced her own rising profile with smaller roles in projects like The Colour Room and Fair Play. Her willingness to return has been well-documented, and Brownell’s revelation suggests that the show’s leadership is eager to make it happen.

What This Means for the Future of Bridgerton

With Netflix renewing Bridgerton for multiple seasons, the potential for a full cast reunion is more than just a fan pipe dream. The show’s structure—each season focusing on a different Bridgerton sibling—naturally lends itself to cameos from past leads. As the series moves toward the younger siblings, the older brothers and sisters become crucial emotional anchors.

Brownell’s vision is clear: a sprawling family epic where every generation returns for key moments. “I think it would be really meaningful,” she said, “especially when I think forward to Hyacinth and Gregory's story. Daphne and Anthony, and their partners, are such paternal/maternal figures for those younger kids.”

For now, fans can binge Season 4 Part 2, which features the Kanthony couple in full force. But the real excitement is what lies ahead. Could the Duke and Duchess of Hastings make a surprise appearance in Season 5? Could we see a giant family portrait with all the siblings and their spouses? The possibilities are endless, and Brownell’s tease has reignited hope.

The Industry Impact

Page’s return would be a massive get for Netflix, potentially driving huge viewership numbers. The actor has become a global star with a loyal fanbase, and a cameo would be a surefire way to generate headlines. Dynevor’s return would also satisfy fans who have missed Daphne’s sharp wit and warm heart.

As Bridgerton continues its reign as one of Netflix’s most-watched originals, the show’s ability to weave past characters into new narratives is a key strength. Brownell’s openness to bringing back “all of the leads” signals a commitment to treating the series as a cohesive, interconnected universe. Whether or not Page agrees to return remains the million-dollar question. But for now, the door is wide open.

Stay tuned—the Ton may soon welcome back its most beloved duke.

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