Few characters in the Bridgerton universe have left as lasting an impression as Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset. Played by Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page, the Duke and Duchess of Hastings anchored Season 1’s sweeping romance and helped launch the Regency-era series into global success.
However, while we saw Daphne in Season 2, the Duke and Duchess have been absent for the last two seasons now. When Variety asked showrunner Jess Brownell if they would be recasting the two characters, she replied that there is no such plan.
We are not interested in recasting the characters. I think it would feel like a disservice to everything Regé and Phoebe set up in season 1, and all the beautiful work they put into those characters. We would love to potentially have them back at some point, but I think, logistically, we want to make sure we bring them back when we have something really meaty for them.
And to have them come back to say a line at a funeral and just prove that they were there, it wouldn’t feel right for many reasons. So I think in my mind, the camera doesn’t capture everything. They’re hypothetically there; it’s television. But we would love to find a time to bring everyone back at some point in the future.
While it is good to hear that the show has not forgotten two of its important characters and their names do show up every now and then, it is nevertheless disappointing not to have them around since the Regency-era hit is all about family!
Why Are Daphne and Simon Missing from Bridgerton?
After Season 1 of Bridgerton premiered in December 2020, Regé-Jean Page quickly became a breakout star. Later, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that the actor only had a one-year deal and reportedly turned down the offer for a second season.
He then went on to star in the film, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, but his career has not turned out to be as one would expect. Yet, he hasn’t been keen on returning and only stated that he is “happy to support everyone who’s in the show” when asked by ET if he would ever consider returning.
As for Phoebe Dynevor, she stated in a January 2025 interview with The Direct that she was still waiting for a call for Season 4. While she did not show up in Season 4, the actress stated in a new interview with ScreenRant last year that she would be happy to be back if the show wants.
The actress has since moved on to new projects, starring in Netflix’s psychological thriller Fair Play and was recently cast as the female lead for a film adaptation of Emily Henry’s best-selling book, Beach Read (via Deadline).
She was recently seen in Lionsgate’s Anniversary and has several other projects lined up. These include Netflix’s Shiver, A24’s Famous, M. Night Shyamalan’s Remain, and Mark Heyman’s Pendulum.
Jess Brownell Reveals Bridgerton Season 5 Production Details
Eloise and Francesca | Credits: Netflix
Netflix and Shondaland have already confirmed that Bridgerton seasons 5 and 6 are on the way. While we may not know whether Eloise or Francesca will lead the next season, Jess Brownell gave us a heads-up on the production.
In an interview with TVLine, Brownell revealed that the writing for the fifth season has been completed, and they are going to start production soon.
We are very close to going into production. It’s really a funny thing to be preparing for production before we’ve even finished airing Season 4, but it’s a testament to the fact that we’re trying to get our trains to run a little bit more quickly — or our carriages, I should say.
Well, it is good to know that we won’t have to wait too long for the next season. Given that filming for Season 4 wrapped up in June 2025 after starting in September 2024, and the season premiered in January 2026, we can expect Season 5 by July-September 2027.
Who do you think will take the stage next? Let us know in the comments below.
Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 and Part 2 are now streaming on Netflix.
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