Regé-Jean Page was one of the breakout stars ofBridgertonseason 1, playing the Duke of Hastings, the object of Daphne Bridgerton’s (Phoebe Dynevor) desire. However,Page leftBridgertonafter one season to pursue a traditional form of Hollywood stardom. Page accepted hisBridgertonrole because his character’s arc would be completed in one season, making it a “limited series” for his purposes (viaVariety). Fans worried howBridgertonwould fare without Simon Basset, but the show has only continued to thrive while Page\s career momentum appears to have slowed.
On the other hand, Jonathan Bailey’s Anthony Bridgerton is the romantic lead ofBridgertonseason 2, with a more background role in season 3 andBridgerton’s upcoming season 4. Bailey could have also left the series, but instead, he has called the show his “family,” saying he will “always pop back and say hello” (viaDeadline).By staying part of the cast ofBridgerton, Bailey endeared himself to the show’s fanbaseand made time to pursue smaller but notable opportunities in theater and television. Taking this indirect path, Bailey has set himself up to become a major movie star in 2025.
Regé-Jean Page Left Bridgerton Quickly To Attach Himself To Action-Adventure Movies
Page Starred In The Gray Man And Dungeons & Dragons
At the time of his exit fromBridgerton,Page was attached to two action-adventure moviesthat seemed like the closest thing Hollywood has to sure bets. Page played Denny Carmichael, a cold and calculating CIA official who served as a secondary antagonist inThe Gray Man.The Gray Manalso starred Marvel’s Chris Evans and was directed by the Russo brothers ofAvengers: Infinity WarandAvengers: Endgame. However, Page’s character was seen as underwritten, especially given hisBridgertonstar power, and the movie ultimately faded into Netflix obscurity.
Daphne née Bridgerton appears inBridgertonseason 2 to support her siblings in their matchmaking journeys and explains her husband’s absence as being due to the demands of his dukedom.
InDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Page plays Xenk Yendar, a noble and stoic paladin who guides the main characters on their quest.Dungeons & Dragonswas a box office bomb, especially considering that it was an adaptation of one of the most popular board games, but the movie was well-received by critics and audiences. Page’s character, in particular, was praised for his self-aware humor and comedic timing of such an earnest, straight-laced persona.
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Page seems to be pursuing a classic Hollywood leading-man trajectory by taking smaller roles in movies that could be major hits, like how Glen Powell’s role inTop Gun: Maverickled to his lead casting inHit Man. However,Page’s choices in films have not yet led to bigger moviesor leading roles he thought would come his wayafter his initial success inBridgertonseason 1. Even thoughPage was in consideration to play James Bondonce, since the release ofThe Gray ManandDungeons & Dragons, he has not been notably active in new projects.
Bailey Continued To Appear On Bridgerton And Grew His Versatility In Theater & Smaller Prestige Projects
Bailey Kept His Bridgerton Fanbase While Taking On Interesting Roles In Television & Theater
After serving as the romantic lead inBridgertonseason 2, Jonathan Bailey’s character, Viscount AnthonyBridgerton, transitioned to a smaller supporting role in season 3. Additionally,Bailey has already filmed for the upcoming Bridgerton season 4. Fans appreciate the consistency of havingthe viscount and his viscountess Kate Bridgerton née Sharma (Simone Ashley) appear at key moments in season 3, enjoying the opportunity to see their love story continue beyond the traditional happy ending of marriage.
Jonathan Bailey’s Coolest Wicked Character Detail Directly Connects To His Bridgerton Role
Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero in Wicked, and the character’s horse has a history with the actor, thanks to his time playing Anthony Bridgerton.
While continuing withBridgertonin a guest role,Bailey has also been able to pursue a variety of smaller but impactful theater and television projects.Bailey starred in the historical queer romance-thriller miniseriesFellow Travelers, which was met with critical acclaim and praise for his nuanced central performance. In the West End, Bailey starred in a revival ofCock, a play about a gay man struggling with his feelings for a woman. Openly gay since 2018, Bailey seems drawn to projects that ask complex questions about sexuality.
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Rather than pursuing traditional Hollywood blockbusters, Bailey appears to be side-stepping major action-adventure films in favor of television and West End theater, building a résumé of prestige dramatic roles. He maintained his devotedBridgertonfanbase by continuing to appear in new seasons of the Regency romance while gradually positioning himself for starring roles in not one but two of the most anticipated films of 2025.
Bailey Is The Bigger Star Today With Two Major Movies To Come In 2025 Because He Took More Risk
Bailey Has Wicked: For Good & Jurassic World Rebirth In 2025
Wickedespecially cemented Jonathan Bailey as a household name, with fans of his performance as Fiyero seeking out his old shows likeCrashingandBroadchurchto have more of him on their screens. No Hollywood career trajectory is ever straightforward and Page can still find the right project to make use of his incredible charisma, but Bailey is becoming the blockbuster star that Page seems to be striving for.2025 promises to be even bigger for Baileythan 2024.
Regé-Jean Page’s only upcoming credit for 2025 is a supporting role in Steven Soderberg’s American spy thriller,The Black Bag.
Not only does Bailey haveWicked: For Goodpremiering in November, but he is also starring in one of2025’s biggest moviesJurassic World Rebirthalongside Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali in the summer of 2025. By taking a less traditional path, demonstrating his range and talent, and staying connected to hisBridgertonfanbase — which, in addition to his obvious talent, makes him a more attractive casting choice to producers hoping to maximize on his popularity — Bailey has positioned himself to become one of the biggest movie stars of 2025.
