Much has been made of The Regime reuniting Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant, but when is Grant’s Keplinger actually going to appear on the miniseries?

Three episodes in, Hugh Grant’s The Regime character still hasn’t appeared, so is his guest appearance getting near? The Regime episode 1 introduced audiences to the high level of dysfunction inside the palace of Chancellor Elena Vernham (Kate Winslet). During the first episode’s “Victory Day” celebration, it was revealed Elena had overthrown previous chancellor Edward Keplinger (Hugh Grant) years prior, who is described by Vernham’s supporters as “a rat” that almost destroyed The Regine’s unnamed country.

Keplinger is mentioned again during The Regime episode 3 “The Heroes’ Banquet,” though only briefly. In addition to being Winslet’s third HBO miniseries, there is major excitement about The Regime reuniting her with Sense and Sensibility co-star Hugh Grant. Trailers for the series have shown off their big reunion, where Keplinger appears to be in prison – despite claims from Elena’s cabinet that the ex-chancellor is living in seclusion in a huge mansion.

Hugh Grant Will Guest Star In The Regime Episode 4

Keplinger could cause major problems for Elena’s regime

Having plunged the country into chaos following the Faban Corridor annexation, perhaps Elena visits her rival for advice about what to do next. If the chancellor kept him imprisoned for seven years, Keplinger probably wouldn’t be forthcoming with good advice though. Indeed, the brief glimpses of the Vernham and Keplinger reunion indicate a great deal of tension between the pair.

Keplinger still being alive suggests he could still pose a threat to her too. The Regime’s third episode reveals the country will be entering into a trade deal with China – a move that will almost certainly lead to more unrest and anger. Under those conditions, Keplinger’s supporters could push for his return to power.

Grant’s Former Chancellor Edward Keplinger Explained

That said, it appears Grant’s appearance on The Regime amounts to a guest appearance at best, so the character might not be sticking around long for the rest of the miniseries. Little has been revealed about Keplinger’s reign, and what has been mentioned could be framed as propaganda by Elena’s government. What is known is that Keplinger was deposed seven years before the series began, with his policies being described as “Neo-Marxist” during a Victory Day speech in the first episode.

The story is that Elena saved the nation from her leftest rival, and restored to it a sense of pride and purpose that the “rat” Keplinger have taken away. The fourth episode will probably burst the bubble of this narrative, and reveal the truth is messier than Vernham’s spin would have it. Either way, it will be exciting to have Hugh Grant finally appear on The Regime, since his character has been heavily teased since the beginning.