‘Bridgerton’ showrunner Jess Brownell rules out recasting Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset: 'It would be a disservice’

Picture the Regency ton alive with whispers of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, whose scorching romance in 'Bridgerton Season 1' left fans breathless and begging for more. Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page brought that fire to life, but their absence in later seasons sparked endless speculation. Could new actors step into those iconic roles?

Showrunner Jess Brownell says this on the rumors with grace and respect in a February 26, 2026, Variety interview. Jess Brownell said, “We are not interested in recasting the characters.” She made her stance crystal clear. Jess Brownell continued, “I think it would feel like a disservice to everything that Regé and Phoebe established in season one, along with the remarkable contributions they made to those roles.” The showrunner cherishes the foundation Dynevor and Page built. Their chemistry defined Bridgerton’s steamy allure. Recasting would cheapen that legacy, she feels.




Jess Brownell left a glimmer of hope for fans. She shared, “We love to have them back at some point.” Yet she set firm boundaries. Jess Brownell added, “But logistically, we want to make sure we bring them back when we have something meaty for them.” Token lines at a ball or funeral would not cut it. She explained, “Having them return just to say a line at a funeral wouldn’t feel right for a number of reasons.” The team craves substantial stories worthy of their stars.

‘Bridgerton Season 1' spark and graceful exits

‘Bridgerton’ season one drew from Julia Quinn’s The Duke and I. Phoebe Dynevor shone as Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter seeking love amid societal pressures. Regé-Jean Page captivated as Simon Basset, the reluctant duke hiding pain behind charm. Their enemies-to-lovers arc exploded Netflix records. Regé-Jean Page exited after one season. He told Variety in 2021, “It was a one-season arc. We have a beginning, middle, and end.” Phoebe Dynevor returned briefly in season two but stepped back after. She shared with Screen Rant in January 2023, “I’ve done my part. I did two seasons.”

Jess Brownell addressed their season three no-shows in the same interview. Scripts once mentioned Daphne’s pregnancy offhand. They cut it. Jess Brownell noted, “We decided it wasn’t necessary to directly address either character’s absence.” The show thrives on fresh’Bridgerton’ romances, like Kate Sharma and Anthony or Penelope Featherington and Colin.

Fan dreams

‘Bridgerton’, renewed through season six, honors its past while racing ahead. Phoebe Dynevor stars in new films. Regé-Jean Page leads Dungeons & Dragons projects. Fans hold their breath for meaningful returns. The ton’s drama rolls on, richer for its history.