Regé-Jean Page would not be returning to play Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, in season 2 of the Netflix series. The show will have to go on without Simon, with the next season focusing on Anthony Bridgerton and his plans to marry. Some might be wondering how Daphne will be incorporated into the story without Simon in tow — especially since they’re married and have a child by the end of Bridgerton season 1. However, Daphne’s arc is not over yet.
Throughout season 1, Daphne was the talk of the Ton, the upper echelon of London’s social class during the Regency period. She pretended to be in a courtship with Simon to attract other notable suitors, including Prince Frederick, and secure her future and status. Meanwhile, her brother Anthony was determined to be the man of the Bridgerton household, setting Daphne up with terrible matches and meddling in her budding romance with Simon, whom he didn’t want Daphne to marry. Suffice it to say the siblings didn’t exactly have the smoothest of relationships and argued rather consistently.
Season 2 of Bridgerton is set to follow the events of the Season 2 of Bridgerton is set to follow the events of the second book in the series by Julia Quinn, called The Viscount Who Loved Me.">second book in the series by Julia Quinn, called The Viscount Who Loved Me. With the next installment turning its attention to Anthony’s attempts to settle down — and eventually fall in love with Kate Sheffield (now Sharma, after the casting announcement of Simone Ashley) — the eldest Bridgerton may seek Daphne’s advice on matters of the heart. In season 1, Anthony didn’t know exactly what he wanted and led on opera singer Siena, who wanted to have a real relationship. Anthony has long been considered a rake and he could be hesitant to take the next step. It’s possible Bridgerton season 2 will allow him to grow closer to Daphne because he’ll finally be in a position to listen rather than control things the way he did in season 1.
After all, Daphne is the more experienced one now when it comes to having a real relationship and she might on that wisdom to Anthony. Conversely, perhaps Daphne is the one to set Anthony and Kate's sister up, which could throw a wrench in his and Kate's blossoming romance. Daphne will likely visit her family and, when she does, she could decide to meddle in her brother’s love life in the way he did hers. This could especially be true if she discovers Anthony is flirting with Kate instead of the woman he's supposed to marry. What's more, being a part of Anthony's story will give Daphne a new and intriguing ing role.
The series is an anthology following the various romantic tales of the Bridgerton siblings, so it makes sense that Daphne and Simon’s love story will no longer be at the forefront in season 2. However, just because Page is no longer around to play Simon doesn’t mean it should be the end of Daphne’s storyline. There are so many ways to incorporate her into the plot — namely, making her an integral part of Anthony’s arc. Daphne is inarguably more logical than her brother and, though she probably won’t force him to take the same actions the way he tried to do with her, she will more than likely be a voice of reason if he needs advice (and he surely will). After all, she isn’t just a wife and Bridgerton season 2 could see her be the one to be there for her family in ways she wasn’t previously because her attention was more on the marital social season.