Rupert Evans.Photo: Leigh Keily
Rupert Evansis the newest man about ton.
The Man in the High Castleactor, 44, is set to join season 2 ofNetflix’s wildly popular period dramaBridgerton, as the late patriarch of the titular family, Edmund Bridgerton.
“Edmund is a loving and devoted husband, whose true love match with Violet Bridgerton gave them eight perfect children,” a recent show release states. “He’s also an endlessly patient and kind father, who takes special pride in guiding his eldest son Anthony through life.”
Evans — whose screen credits also include roles on The CW’sCharmedand in films likeAmerican PastoralandThe Boy— will joinJonathan Bailey’s Anthony Bridgerton, who will be the focus of season 2.
PEOPLE alsoconfirmed in Februarythat Sex EducationactressSimone Ashleyhad joined the cast as Anthony’s love interest Kate Sharma, a “smart, headstrong young woman who suffers no fools — Anthony Bridgerton very much included.”
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Simone Ashley (L); Jonathan Bailey.David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images (2)
Bridgerton’snext installment will shift focus from the love story between Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon (Regé-Jean Page) to Anthony’s romance with Kate. It will be based onJulia Quinn’s novelThe Viscount Who Loved Me.
In the book, Anthony sets out to marry the newest belle of the ton, Edwina (Charithra Chandran), only to be faced with her disapproving sister, Kate, who refuses to let him anywhere near her because of his reputation.
In recentphotos taken from the setof the series' forthcoming season, Bailey, 33, was spotted with Ashley, 26. Filming a scene together, the two actors were seen attending a horse race alongside an array of otherBridgertonstars includingLuke Newtonas Colin Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton,Claudia Jessieas Eloise Bridgerton, Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton andAdjoa Andohas Lady Danbury.
Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley filmingBridgertonseason 2.SplashNews.com
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Kathryn Drysdale — whosecharacter Genevieve Delacroixhas a dalliance with Anthony’s younger brother, Benedict, in the series — recently told PEOPLE about her castmate Bailey, “Over here [in the U.K.], Jonathan Bailey is an award-winning actor. He’s won the Olivier award. He’s just extraordinary and will bring so much to his story.”
“He’s going to be mega, and I can’t wait,” she added.
Bailey previously toldBritishVogueof season 2, “I feel like the campy, plush spectacle of theBridgertonworld is only going to get more pronounced in the best way possible.” He added, “It’s mad, and it’s brilliant. There are also going to be a lot of brilliant characters introduced in this series — and it’s not just Anthony that we’re going to delve into.”
source: people.com
