The actor was rejected for a leading role on a Superman spin-off.
Bridgerton leading man Regé-Jean Page has addressed speculation that he was turned down from a role because he is Black.
Yesterday, reports emerged suggesting that the British actor was not cast to play Superman’s grandfather in Krypton because DC’s chairman did not want a Black actor for the role.
Page auditioned for the part years ago. The role later went to Cameron Cuffe.
Sources close to the show told The Hollywood Reporter that directors were keen to embrace “nontraditional casting”, but DC boss Geoff Johns opposed this idea.
On Twitter, Page seemed to address the rumour.
The Bridgerton actor wrote:
“Hearing about these conversations hurts no less now than it did back then. The clarifications almost hurt more tbh. Still just doing my thing. Still we do the work. We still fly.”
Hearing about these conversations hurts no less now than it did back then. The clarifications almost hurt more tbh.
Still just doing my thing.
Still we do the work.
We still fly.
👊🏽
— Regé-Jean Page (@regejean) April 7, 2021
While Page does not directly address the recent claims, his reference to flying has many fans convinced that he is talking about the Superman role. Additionally, his use of the fist emoji mirrors the comic book character’s trademark fist.
DC’s chairman has since addressed the claims. His representatives told The Hollywood Reporter that fans expected Superman’s grandfather to “look like a young Henry Cavill”.
The spin-off series was cancelled after just two seasons on Syfy.
Last week, it was announced that Page would not be returning to Bridgerton for the second season.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNK71Dxjer8/
Lady Whistledown took to Netflix’s official Twitter account to share the news:
“While all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to Regé-Jean Page who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings.
“We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family.”
Page later confirmed his departure, saying: “It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke. Joining this family – not just on screen, but off screen too.”
He added, “The love is real and will just keep growing.”
