Regé-Jean Page has been at the forefront of entertainment media the last few weeks after Bridgerton's second season was announced.
But where the earlier news was sort of positive, as fans mourned the exit of their favorite attraction, the latest news surrounding Page's acting life is much more unsettling.
Months ago, before he even appeared on Bridgerton, Page auditioned for a role in DC's Krypton, directed by David S. Goyer and featured on the Syfy channel.
But it wasn't just for any role. Page wanted to play the role of Superman's grandfather.
Page didn't get the part, but it wasn't for the reasons one might think. It wasn't because Page wasn't well-known enough or because he performed poorly.
Instead, Page was informed it was "unlikely" Superman's grandfather would be Black, so Goyer could not justify hiring a Black actor for the role.
Rege-Jean Page and two #Krypton stars have stepped up on social media to address the casting controversy… https://t.co/KJf1NKsEy7— ComicBook.com (@ComicBook.com) 1617832214.0
DC's then-chief creative officer, Geoffrey Johns, was much more indignant about the likelihood of a Black figure in the Super family, despite DC's recent "commitment" to diversifying the casts of their shows and films.
When I read Goeff’s excuse for the Krypton casting I had the same reaction. #IStandWithRayFisher https://t.co/XoZyB8hdQY— INT. BOOBLES MIND - CONTINUOS (@INT. BOOBLES MIND - CONTINUOS) 1617794197.0
The role later went to a White actor, Cameron Cuffe, and the show lasted for only two seasons. Conversations surfaced online a few days ago concerning the casting process of the show, which reopened old wounds for Page.
Page decided to share his feelings on Twitter.
"Hearing about these conversations hurts no less now than it did back then."
"The clarifications almost hurt more tbh (to be honest)."
"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.… https://t.co/DPBczqmuF7— Regé-Jean Page (@Regé-Jean Page) 1617817479.0
Many fans came forward to express their support and condolences on Page's disappointment.
@regejean Every show that you have been on, you have brought the heat. You were a standout in Roots,For the People… https://t.co/gJJxibgoto— Tessa (@Tessa) 1617822843.0
@regejean It’s not that you will fly, but Soar so high everyone will be proud of you. Yes it is a disappointment we… https://t.co/fSYmP1eOsV— Milliegau1095 (@Milliegau1095) 1617821064.0
@regejean Mr Page, your performance in Roots II was among the finest I have seen for a very long time. On that basi… https://t.co/otcsAlD7iH— The Life and Legacy of George Arthur Roberts💙 (@The Life and Legacy of George Arthur Roberts💙) 1617858736.0
@regejean Well.. like the famous line in the movie "Pretty Woman"? Big mistake, HUGE I would just like to see mor… https://t.co/KTtQKhIbI3— Erin O'Tooles' Taint EH. VOTE (@Erin O'Tooles' Taint EH. VOTE) 1617865299.0
@regejean Hey Rege, these people don’t deserve your attention, you are an amazing actor, and an incredible person,… https://t.co/qrxqfxFXob— The Bridgerton Lady 🐝 (@The Bridgerton Lady 🐝) 1617819804.0
@regejean It's come as a shock and huge disappointment for us as well. But it's just fueling our resolve. I got to… https://t.co/wTwEZalIN1— E⁷ 💫| ZSJL | Musical Boricua (@E⁷ 💫| ZSJL | Musical Boricua) 1617822815.0
Repeat accusations have come out against Johns, who has since left his role as DC's chief creative officer. Not only did he contest against diversifying the cast of Krypton, but actress Gal Gadot and actor Jason Mamoa both had grievances to share about Johns after working with him on the film, Justice League.
Momoa, who played Aquaman, admitted to disparaging comments he received while on-set. Gadot, Wonder Woman, spoke out against sexist lines that were in her script that Johns later made her perform anyway.
Actor Ray Fisher, who portrayed Cyborg in Justice League, said what was inevitably on many's minds.
"I don't believe some of these people are fit for positions of leadership."
"I don't want them excommunicated from Hollywood, but I don't think they should be in charge of the hiring and firing of other people."
"If I can't get accountability, at least I can make people aware of who they're dealing with."
Though Page may not have gotten this role, there is no doubt his fan base will support him in whatever he wishes to pursue next.
Page's attitude and persistence will hopefully take him as high as he wants to soar.