Introduction
Regé-Jean Page and Jonathan Bailey, two breakout stars from Netflix’s Bridgerton, have taken dramatically different paths in their pursuit of Hollywood stardom. While both actors left an indelible mark on fans, their career choices have led to contrasting outcomes, especially as we approach 2025. Let’s dive into how their decisions shaped their trajectories and why one approach led to a much bigger year.
Regé-Jean Page: A Swift Exit from Bridgerton
The Duke of Hastings’ Bold Move
Regé-Jean Page captivated audiences as Simon Basset, the brooding Duke of Hastings, in Bridgerton Season 1. Despite his immense popularity, Page exited the series early, citing the limited nature of his character’s arc. He sought to capitalize on his newfound fame by pursuing traditional Hollywood roles.
Aiming for Blockbuster Glory
Page aligned himself with major action-adventure projects like The Gray Man and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Both films seemed poised for success, but they ultimately failed to propel him into the stratosphere of stardom.
- The Gray Man (2022): Although directed by the acclaimed Russo brothers, Page’s role as Denny Carmichael was criticized as underdeveloped.
- Dungeons & Dragons (2023): While praised for his comedic timing as Xenk Yendar, the movie underperformed at the box office.
What Went Wrong?
Page’s decision to pursue traditional leading-man roles mirrors a classic Hollywood strategy. However, a string of projects with lukewarm receptions has slowed his momentum. His only confirmed 2025 role is a supporting part in The Black Bag, a spy thriller by Steven Soderbergh.
Jonathan Bailey: A Steady Climb to Stardom
Staying Loyal to Bridgerton
Unlike Page, Jonathan Bailey chose to remain a key part of Bridgerton. After leading Season 2 as Anthony Bridgerton, he took on smaller roles in Seasons 3 and 4. This continuity endeared him to fans and kept him relevant in pop culture.
Diversifying His Portfolio
Bailey balanced his Bridgerton commitments with high-quality theater and television roles:
- Fellow Travelers (2023): A critically acclaimed miniseries exploring queer relationships during the Cold War.
- Cock (2023): A West End play delving into the complexities of sexuality.
These roles showcased Bailey’s versatility and earned him critical acclaim, positioning him as a dynamic talent rather than a typecast actor.
The Big 2025 Breakout
Bailey’s careful planning culminates in 2025, with two massive projects:
- Wicked: For Good: Starring alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Bailey’s portrayal of Fiyero is already generating buzz.
- Jurassic World Rebirth: Sharing the screen with Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, this blockbuster cements Bailey as a household name.
Comparing Their Strategies
Page’s Traditional Path vs. Bailey’s Diverse Approach
Page pursued high-profile blockbusters, betting on their success to boost his career. While bold, this strategy has yet to yield substantial returns. Bailey, on the other hand, diversified his roles across mediums, prioritizing quality over immediate fame.
Fan Engagement Matters
By staying connected to the Bridgerton fanbase, Bailey kept his popularity intact. His decision to appear in Seasons 3 and 4 provided him with a steady platform to remain in the public eye while exploring other opportunities.
Risk and Reward
Bailey’s willingness to take risks with unconventional roles, such as in Fellow Travelers, paid off. Meanwhile, Page’s safer choices in blockbuster films haven’t showcased his full potential.
Lessons for Aspiring Stars
- Consistency Is Key: Maintaining ties to a beloved franchise can sustain fan loyalty.
- Versatility Wins: A varied portfolio demonstrates range and keeps opportunities diverse.
- Risk-Taking Pays Off: Bold choices, especially in smaller, high-quality projects, can lead to bigger rewards.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to 2025, Jonathan Bailey has emerged as the bigger star, thanks to a strategy rooted in versatility, risk-taking, and fan engagement. Regé-Jean Page, while immensely talented, is still searching for the perfect role to reignite his momentum. The contrasting paths of these two Bridgerton icons highlight the complexities of navigating Hollywood stardom.
FAQs
1. Why did Regé-Jean Page leave Bridgerton?
Page left after Season 1 to pursue a career in Hollywood blockbusters, as his character’s arc was complete.
2. What major movies is Jonathan Bailey starring in for 2025?
Bailey will star in Wicked: For Good and Jurassic World Rebirth, two highly anticipated blockbusters.
3. Has Regé-Jean Page struggled post-Bridgerton?
While talented, Page’s recent projects have not achieved the commercial success needed to catapult him to stardom.
4. How did Jonathan Bailey balance Bridgerton and other roles?
Bailey maintained his Bridgerton commitments while taking on diverse projects in theater and television to showcase his range.
5. Which Bridgerton star is more popular today?
Jonathan Bailey is currently more prominent, with major roles in 2025 and a loyal fanbase, thanks to his continued connection with Bridgerton.
