'Bridgerton' Season 2 Casting: Regé-Jean Page Departs As New Faces Arrive

Netflix's Bridgerton has only just started filming for Season 2, but already the show is making waves. The significant addition to the second series is, of course, a new love interest, this time for Bridgerton sibling Anthony (Jonathan Bailey). As we reported, the original character, Kate Sheffield, is being altered to add South Asian characters in primary roles. The updated version will be Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), a new arrival on the London scene who recently immigrated to England. It was unclear at the time if the series would also include the rest of the original character's family, but in an announcement, it seems her sister, Edwina, will also be part of the show.

According to Deadline, actress Charithra Chandran, a relative newcomer, will be playing the role of Kate's younger sister. Other than Bridgerton, Chandran's only role has been in Alex Rider, the first original series from IMDb TV. Moreover, it does seem like Edwina will remain the season's diamond of the first water, as Deadline described her role as the one who first catches Anthony's attention. Also, Rupert Young (Merlin) has been cast in an as-yet-undisclosed romantic role. Though some speculate he may be introduced as another Bridgerton sister's love interest, it's a better bet he may wind up with a Featherington.

But all that has been overshadowed by a major departure from the Bridgerton cast. Breakout star Regé-Jean Page, whose character, Simon Basset, has been the face of the series, will not be returning for Season 2. Perhaps understanding what a colossal seachange this represented, Bridgerton and Netflix put out a Lady Whistledown missive warning fans the actor would not return.