'Bridgerton' Director Talks About How They Found Regé-Jean Page & Phoebe Dynevor

Julie Anne Robinson, the director of the Bridgerton pilot, is opening up about how they found the show’s leading actors, Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor.

Robinson previously worked with Shondaland when she directed episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and Scandal. She also directed the pilot of The Catch and was an executive producer on that show.

In an interview with Deadline, Robinson said she worked closely with Shonda Rhimes on casting.

For Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, Regé was always the top choice. He previously was on the Shondaland series For the People. She said, “Shonda always always wanted Regé. The person I am proudest of casting is Phoebe because we did see A LOT of people for that role. I saw her on tape. and I was just taken by her because she is so captivating.”

Phoebe was actually the first actress to read with Rege!

“We managed to have this magical audition process with Shonda there where we put them together and I was able to direct them,” Robinson said. “Regé was already pre-decided but Phoebe came in and read. She was fantastic and got the role.”

Robinson didn’t initially see the sex appeal in Regé, but now she does! She said, “It’s interesting about Regé, I hope he is not offended by this but I never saw him as a sex symbol. I always saw him as a serious actor, very committed, a caring professional. And now look at him, I mean goodness me. It’s incredible, I hope he is the next James Bond.”

Will the two stars return for season two? Here’s what the series creator said!