Bridgerton’s very own Duke of Smolder, Rege-Jean Page, has just landed his next leading role—The Count of Monte Cristo! That’s right, our favorite regency heartthrob is about to trade in scandalous ballroom waltzes for prison escapes, treasure hunts, and an absolutely savage revenge plot. We love character development!
And because Rege-Jean isn’t just an actor but a multitasking king, he’s not only starring in the film—he’s producing it too through his company, Mighty Stranger. Fun fact: he’s producing alongside Emily Brown, who, in case you didn’t know, happens to be his real-life romantic leading lady. This man is truly living in a romance novel both on-screen and off.
In a statement to Deadline, Rege-Jean said, “Bold, adventurous storytelling with heart is the reason I got into this business”—which is also exactly what I say when I justify binge-watching period dramas instead of doing my laundry. He continued, “A Mighty Stranger is building a slate of creative-led projects that will broaden the cultural lens through pure entertainment.” Translation: Get ready for cinema.
Wait… What Even Is ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’?
If your only exposure to classic literature is SparkNotes and that one time you tried to read Pride and Prejudice but got distracted by a snack, don’t worry—I got you.
The Count of Monte Cristo is a legendary novel by Alexandre Dumas (same guy who wrote The Three Musketeers). It follows Edmond Dantès, a guy who gets thrown in prison for a crime he definitely did not commit. (Relatable. Ever been blamed for eating the last cookie? Same energy.)
While locked up in the gloomy fortress of If (sounds like a medieval AirBnB with bad Yelp reviews), Edmond learns about a hidden treasure on the Isle of Monte Cristo. So naturally, he escapes, finds the treasure, and then—like any self-respecting protagonist—plots the most dramatic revenge scheme ever. Think of it as the OG revenge story but with fancy coats and intense eye contact.
The novel was originally serialized in the 1840s, meaning it was basically the Netflix of its time, except people had to wait months instead of just skipping to the next episode.
Final Thoughts?
Between the epic betrayals, thrilling adventure, and peak dramatic energy, Rege-Jean Page starring in this adaptation is basically a chef’s kiss casting decision. And if he brings even half the intensity he had in Bridgerton (remember that spoon scene? Yeah, we haven’t forgotten), then this movie is already Oscar-worthy.
So grab your fanciest revenge cloak, practice your “vengeful yet charming” stare in the mirror, and get ready—Rege-Jean is about to make revenge look ridiculously good.
