Regé-Jean Page is heading back to the 19th century—but this time, leave the tea and ballroom dances at the door. The Bridgerton breakout star is stepping into a far darker, more dangerous world as the lead in a brand-new adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic revenge tale, The Count of Monte Cristo. And he’s not just starring—he’s producing, too.
Page, whose charm first swept audiences off their feet as the brooding-yet-tender Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton season one, is taking the reins with his production company, A Mighty Stranger, alongside Emily Brown. He’ll be joined by producers Mike Larocca and Michael Schaefer of Department M and Youtchi von Lintel of YouRoc.
If you’re unfamiliar with The Count of Monte Cristo, buckle up: it’s a story packed with betrayal, revenge, secret identities, and a treasure map for good measure. The novel, written in 1844, follows Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who’s falsely accused of treason by his so-called friends and thrown into a brutal prison on the eve of his wedding. Years later, after a daring escape and the discovery of a hidden fortune, Dantès reinvents himself as the mysterious and powerful Count of Monte Cristo. With wealth and wit as his weapons, he returns to exact a slow-burning revenge on the people who ruined his life.
Patrick Ness (A Monster Calls, Chaos Walking) is writing the screenplay, so expect a fresh, emotionally complex take on the classic story. And if Page’s words are anything to go by, they’re swinging for the fences.
“Bold, adventurous storytelling with heart is the reason I got into this business, and it’s the backbone of everything we’re making,” Page shared. “That’s why we’re so excited to be bringing The Count of Monte Cristo to global audiences, unlocking the depths of Dumas’ work in ways not seen yet.”
While Page has appeared in major projects like The Gray Man, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and currently stars opposite Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender in Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag, this marks his first major leading role in a feature film.
Let’s be honest—his Bridgerton exit left more than a few fans heartbroken. But this new role feels like a full-circle moment: a period piece with the polish of Bridgerton, but with teeth. It’s romanticism meets ruthless retribution. And this time, he’s not charming his way into high society—he’s burning it down, one betrayer at a time.
Hollywood has had a long-standing love affair with The Count of Monte Cristo, with past adaptations starring everyone from Robert Donat to Jim Caviezel. Just last year, we got two new takes on it—including a French adaptation starring Pierre Niney. But if anyone can bring something fresh to a story we thought we knew, it’s Regé-Jean Page.
No director has been attached yet, and there’s no release date just yet—but this one’s officially on the radar. And with Page steering the ship, we’re ready for this classic to rise from the depths once more.
So… are y’all ready to see Regé-Jean Page trade love letters for vengeance? Because this Count has receipts.