Regé-Jean Page is definitely having quite a moment right now. The British-Zimbabwean actor has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with his powerful performance as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings in Netflix’s hit series, Bridgerton. He has been praised for his acting, charm, and good looks; his role has been called groundbreaking as it breaks racial barriers in the period drama genre. However, recently, Page made headlines for another reason. He revealed that he and his co-star, Phoebe Dynevor, found filming the sex scenes in Bridgerton to be “terrifying.”
Despite the series being set in a bygone era of corsets, frills, and manners, Bridgerton is anything but traditional. The show has been praised for its frank portrayal of sex and intimacy in a way that is balanced and respectful to all its characters. The actors put in quite a bit of work to bring authenticity to their performances, which included some steamy love scenes. However, Page admitted that even though the scenes were choreographed and intentional, they still took a toll on him.
During an appearance on Variety’s Actors on Actors series alongside Jonathan Majors from Lovecraft Country, Page talked about the challenges of filming intimate scenes for the first time. “It’s not like doing a stunt or like swinging on a rope. We’re having a conversation using our bodies, talking about mutual vulnerability and getting to know each other,” he shared. Page went on to reveal that he and his co-star Dynevor found themselves having to learn how to breathe together during the more intense scenes. “We’re both quite giggly, nervous people. It was quite tense at first, but we talked about it a lot, and we practicing breathing together. Once we got into the swing of things, it was a lot of fun.”
Page’s revelation is a testament to the attention to detail and respect for the actors’ comfort that went into filming the intimate scenes in the series. It is a refreshing change from the industry’s past approach to sex scenes, which prioritizes male and heterosexual perspectives instead of the female gaze or the actors’ comfort levels. Bridgerton has managed to break the mould, showing healthy, respectful intimacy between consenting adults.
Page’s revelation is also a reminder of how much work goes into bringing a series like Bridgerton to life. The show’s authenticity relies on the actors’ ability to convey the characters’ personalities and emotions convincingly. It is with this in mind that Page admits that he felt a sense of responsibility to do his best work as Simon Basset. Bridgerton is not just about steamy scenes, but also about exploring the emotional lives of its characters.
Page’s portrayal of the Duke of Hastings, a man who is initially hesitant to commit to anyone, has been particularly praised. The actor has managed to bring depth and complexity to a character that could have easily been reduced to a pretty face. Page manages to convey a sense of Simon’s vulnerabilities through subtle facial expressions and gestures, making him a relatable and heartwarming protagonist.
Page’s rise to fame has certainly not been an overnight success. The actor has been working consistently, both in film and television, for over a decade. From a small role in Harry Potter, he has gone on to star in critically acclaimed works like Small Axe, Roots, and Sylvie’s Love. Bridgerton, however, has been the big break that has cemented his place in Hollywood.
Page’s rise to fame has also meant that he has become an influential figure for Black actors in the industry. He has been vocal about the need for diverse representation in film and television, especially within periods dramas like Bridgerton. Page has talked about how essential it is for storytellers to tell diverse narratives, and that means not just casting Black actors but also writing and developing nuanced characters for them.
In conclusion, Regé-Jean Page has become a household name, thanks to his incredible performance in Bridgerton. His recent revelation about the challenges of filming intimacy scenes is a testament to the show’s attention to detail and respect for the actors’ comfort. Page’s portrayal of Simon Basset has broken barriers in the period drama genre, making him an example of what can happen when the doors of diversity are opened in Hollywood. He has become an influential figure for aspiring Black actors and a role model for what Hollywood can achieve when it is committed to telling diverse stories.