The Duke, The Debutante, And The Star: Where Is The Bridgerton Season 1 Cast Now In 2025?

Few television phenomena have captured the global imagination quite like Bridgerton, a series that redefined the period drama genre with its vibrant aesthetics, modern sensibilities, and scorching romance. The first season, which premiered in late 2020, introduced the world to the dazzling social season of 1813 Regency London, focusing on the tumultuous, passionate love story between Daphne Bridgerton and the enigmatic Duke of Hastings. Now, years later in late 2025, with the series having expanded into a multi-season franchise, fans are constantly curious: what are the original stars of the "Diamond of the First Water" season doing now, and how has their career trajectory changed since their lives were irrevocably altered by Shondaland's massive Netflix hit?

The success of the inaugural season was not just a win for Netflix and Shonda Rhimes' production company, Shondaland, but a career-defining launchpad for its entire ensemble. From major film roles in Hollywood blockbusters to starring in highly anticipated new TV series, the Season 1 cast has scattered across the entertainment landscape, proving that the high-society drama of the Ton was just the beginning. This is a comprehensive look at the principal players of Bridgerton Season 1 and their latest, most compelling projects as of 2025.

The Season 1 Principal Cast: Complete Biography and Latest Projects (2025)

The foundation of Bridgerton's success lies in its central pairing and the strong Bridgerton family unit. Here is a detailed look at the actors who led the first season and their current career paths.

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• Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset, The Duke of Hastings:
• Role in S1: The brooding, commitment-phobic Duke who enters into a fake courtship with Daphne.
• Post-S1 Status: Departed the main series after Season 1 to pursue film roles.
• 2025/Upcoming Projects: Page is set to return to Netflix as the star and executive producer of the new erotic thriller series, Hancock Park, marking his first major TV role since leaving Bridgerton. He is also attached to star in a romantic comedy alongside Halle Bailey.
• Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton:
• Role in S1: The eldest Bridgerton daughter and the season's "Diamond of the First Water," whose journey leads to marriage with the Duke.
• Post-S1 Status: Appeared in Season 2 but stepped away from the main cast for Season 3 and beyond.
• 2025/Upcoming Projects: Dynevor has made a decisive move into film. She is currently starring in the psychological thriller film Inheritance (2025) and has joined the cast of M. Night Shyamalan’s highly anticipated new project, where she is reported to star alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
• Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton:
• Role in S1: The eldest Bridgerton son, Viscount, and overprotective brother who struggles with his duty and personal desires.
• Post-S1 Status: Became the central lead for Season 2 and remains a key figure in the series.
• 2025/Upcoming Projects: Bailey has achieved global stardom, most notably being named People's 2025 Sexiest Man Alive. His major upcoming role is playing the coveted part of Fiyero in the two-part film adaptation of the musical Wicked (2024 and 2025), starring alongside Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
• Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington (Lady Whistledown):
• Role in S1: The youngest Featherington daughter and secretly the scandalous gossip writer, Lady Whistledown.
• Post-S1 Status: Her storyline became the central focus of Season 3 (the 'Polin' story), and she is set to return for Season 4.
• 2025/Upcoming Projects: Coughlan was nominated for a BAFTA Television Award in 2025. She is also leading the new season of the BAFTA award-winning show Misdirected, and lending her voice to various audio projects like That Friend and Aren't We Lucky, solidifying her status as one of the most in-demand actors in the UK.
• Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton:
• Role in S1: The fiercely independent second Bridgerton daughter who despises the marriage market and seeks intellectual freedom.
• Post-S1 Status: Continues as a main cast member, with her own love story expected in future seasons.
• 2025/Upcoming Projects: Outside of Bridgerton, Jessie is set to star in the new Channel 4 mini-series Maud, where she will play the character Hannah Green.
• Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton:
• Role in S1: The second Bridgerton sibling, an aspiring artist seeking a life outside of high society’s expectations.
• Post-S1 Status: Continues in the main cast; his story is the focus of the third book, making him a future lead.
• 2025/Upcoming Projects: Thompson remains dedicated to the Bridgerton franchise but is also known for his extensive theatre work, which he often returns to between filming seasons.

The Enduring Legacy of The Duke and Daphne: Career Divergence

The chemistry between Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor was the undeniable engine of Bridgerton Season 1, creating a global sensation that instantly propelled them to A-list status. Their subsequent career choices highlight a strategic divergence, each capitalizing on their newfound fame in unique ways.

Page’s decision to exit the series after his character’s arc concluded was a bold move that has paid off in high-profile projects. His choice to executive produce and star in Hancock Park, a new erotic thriller, shows a clear intention to move beyond the period romance genre and embrace more complex, adult-oriented roles. This move, coupled with his romantic comedy project with Halle Bailey, positions him as a versatile leading man in both film and prestige television.

Similarly, Phoebe Dynevor has successfully transitioned into a film-focused career, moving from the debutante ballrooms of the Ton to the high-stakes world of psychological thrillers. Her work on the 2023 film Fair Play and the upcoming M. Night Shyamalan project with Jake Gyllenhaal demonstrates a commitment to challenging, dramatic roles. The psychological thriller Inheritance, slated for 2025, further cements her desire to explore darker, more complex character dynamics than the sweet Daphne Bridgerton.

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Behind The Bows: Unforgettable Facts From Season 1 Production

The sheer scale and opulence of Bridgerton Season 1 were a major factor in its success, requiring an extraordinary effort behind the scenes. These production details and LSI entities provide a deeper understanding of the world that launched the careers of the Season 1 cast.

The Extravagance of Regency-Era Costume Design

The visual splendor of the first season was masterminded by costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, whose team created a staggering number of bespoke outfits. The production of the season involved the creation of over 5,000 original costumes. This massive undertaking was necessary to convey the wealth and social standing of the families. The central figure, Daphne Bridgerton, alone wore a total of 104 different dresses across the eight episodes, symbolizing her journey as the season’s "Diamond." This focus on visual detail, which combined historical Regency silhouettes with modern color palettes and embellishments, was integral to the show's unique "romantic fantasy" feel.

Regency Bootcamp and Shondaland’s Influence

To ensure the cast could convincingly portray their 1813 counterparts, actors underwent an intensive "Regency Bootcamp" prior to filming. This training included etiquette, dancing, and riding lessons, allowing them to embody the period’s rigid social graces naturally. The show also received critical praise for its purposeful emphasis on "Black Joy" and the importance of "Male Vulnerability," themes central to Shonda Rhimes' vision for the series, which challenged traditional period drama norms.

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The show's massive success directly contributed to the expansion of Shonda Rhimes’ monumental deal with Netflix. Originally focused on television, the Shondaland-Netflix partnership has now been expanded to include feature films, potential gaming, and virtual reality content, demonstrating the streaming giant's long-term commitment to the creative powerhouse behind the series.

The Supporting Pillars: Where Are Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury Now?

The Season 1 cast's success extended beyond the Bridgerton and Basset families. The formidable supporting cast has also continued to earn accolades and recognition in 2025.

• Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte: Rosheuvel’s vibrant, commanding portrayal of the historical monarch was so popular that it led to the spin-off series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Her performance continues to earn praise, including a 2025 NAACP Image Award nomination for her work on the franchise.
• Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury: Lady Danbury, the sharp-witted mentor to Simon Basset, remains a cornerstone of the series. Andoh’s work has been consistently recognized, earning her a 2025 NAACP Image Award nomination alongside Rosheuvel, highlighting the impact of the show's diverse and talented ensemble.
• Julie Andrews as Lady Whistledown: The iconic voice of the Ton's anonymous gossip writer, Julie Andrews, remains an integral, though unseen, part of the Bridgerton universe, further cementing the show's blend of classic star power and fresh talent.

In short, the Bridgerton Season 1 cast has not only maintained their relevance but has actively redefined their careers in the years since the show's debut. From the Duke's return to the world of erotic thrillers to Daphne's pivot to major Hollywood films, and Anthony's ascent to a global musical icon in Wicked, the Ton's original stars are proving that their initial "season" was merely the start of a spectacular, long-running performance.