Honestly, it feels like forever ago that everyone was losing their minds over a certain Duke of Hastings. Back in late 2020, you couldn't scroll through a feed without seeing Regé-Jean Page. Then, he did the unthinkable: he left Bridgerton. People were baffled. Some called it a "career fumble," while others saw it as a bold leap into the Hollywood A-list.
Now that we’re sitting in 2026, the dust has finally settled. We can see the shape of his career beyond the burning bridges and the velvet coats. It wasn't just a flash in the pan. But it also wasn't the immediate, effortless climb to Bond-level stardom that the tabloids predicted. It’s been more of a strategic, sometimes quiet, and very deliberate pivot.
The Early Days: Before the Spoon
Most people think Page just appeared out of thin air in a Regency drawing room. Not even close. If you dig into the archives of British TV, he was putting in the work long before the Netflix algorithm found him.
He was a regular in the tenth series of the BBC school drama Waterloo Road back in 2015. He played Guy Braxton, a trainee teacher who was basically broke and sleeping in the school. It’s a far cry from a Duke, but you could already see that screen presence.
Then came Roots in 2016. This was arguably his real breakthrough in the US, even if the general public didn't catch on yet. Playing Chicken George is no small feat—it’s an iconic role—and he brought a frantic, survivalist energy to it that caught the eye of heavy hitters like Shonda Rhimes.
That led directly to For the People. He played Leonard Knox, an ambitious, somewhat arrogant prosecutor. The show only lasted two seasons on ABC, but it cemented his relationship with Shondaland. It’s the reason he was the first choice for Bridgerton.
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The Bridgerton Explosion and the Exit
We have to talk about Bridgerton Series 1. It was a cultural reset. As Simon Basset, Page became the face of a new kind of period drama. The "burn for you" line alone probably added a million followers to his Instagram overnight.
When news broke that he wouldn't return for Season 2, the internet went into a tailspin. But if you look at the books, Simon’s story was essentially done. He didn't want to be background dressing. He wanted to be a lead.
The Action Star Pivot
Post-Netflix, Page went hard into big-budget films. He didn't want to be "The Duke" forever.
- The Gray Man (2022): This was his first big post-breakout test. He played Denny Carmichael, a high-ranking CIA official who was, quite frankly, a total jerk. It was a sharp turn away from being the romantic lead. While the movie itself got mixed reviews, it proved he could play a villain with a cold, corporate edge.
- Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023): This is where he actually had the most fun. He played Xenk Yendar, a paladin who takes everything literally. He was the "straight man" to Chris Pine’s chaotic energy. It’s a shame the movie didn't crush the box office, because he was legitimately hilarious in it. He walked across a rock in a straight line for minutes just to make a point. Pure gold.
Where is He Now? The 2025 and 2026 Slate
If you've been wondering why he seemed a bit quiet in 2024, it’s because he was filming back-to-back projects that are just now hitting our screens.
Black Bag (2025)
Released just last year, this was a massive deal. It’s a Steven Soderbergh spy thriller. Working with Soderbergh is like a rite of passage for "serious" actors. Page played Col. James Stokes, and the film was way more stripped-back and gritty than the CGI-heavy stuff he’d done previously. It showed a lot of maturity in his acting.
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You, Me & Tuscany (2026)
This is the one everyone is talking about right now. It just hit theaters on April 10, 2026. It’s a romantic comedy where he stars alongside Halle Bailey.
The plot is kinda wild—Halle plays a girl who decides to squat in a villa in Tuscany (as you do), and Regé-Jean Page plays the cousin of the actual owner. It’s a "feel-good" movie, and honestly, seeing him back in a romantic lead role feels like a homecoming. The chemistry with Bailey is getting a lot of buzz. It’s exactly the kind of "screen-saver" beautiful movie people need right now.
The Long-Gestating Projects: The Saint and Beyond
The big question mark has always been The Saint. This has been in development hell for years. First, it was Chris Pine, then Page joined in 2021. In late 2023, Doug Liman (who did The Bourne Identity) signed on to direct.
As of early 2026, it’s still on the "upcoming" list, but production has been slow. Page is also set to produce and star in a new take on The Count of Monte Cristo for PBS Masterpiece. He seems to be leaning into that "executive producer" title more often lately, which is a smart move for long-term career stability.
Why He Hasn't Done a Marvel Movie (Yet)
For a while, the rumors that he’d be the next Black Panther or Adam Warlock were everywhere. He did talk to Marvel—that’s a fact. He was on the shortlist for Adam Warlock before Will Poulter got the part.
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As for Black Panther, those rumors were mostly fan-casting fueled by his departure from Bridgerton. There was talk of him playing a character like Kasper Cole, but nothing ever materialized. At this point, it seems he’s more interested in headlining his own franchises (like The Saint) than joining an existing ensemble.
Practical Takeaways for Fans and Follower of His Career:
If you’re looking to catch up on the best of Regé-Jean Page movies and tv shows, here is the non-negotiable watchlist:
- For the true acting chops: Watch the Roots miniseries. It’s heavy, but it’s his best performance.
- For the charm: Bridgerton Season 1 (obviously).
- For a laugh: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. He steals every scene he's in.
- For the 2026 vibes: Get tickets for You, Me & Tuscany. It’s the first time he’s leaned back into that "heartthrob" energy since 2020, but with a lot more comedic timing.
His career hasn't been the "straight line to the Moon" people expected, but it’s been far more interesting. He’s survived the "heartthrob" curse by being picky. Whether The Saint eventually becomes his Bond remains to be seen, but for now, he’s doing just fine in the hills of Tuscany.