Renee Zellweger stepped back into the shoes of Bridget Jones at the world premiere of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy in London on Wednesday, describing the iconic character as “an old friend.” More than two decades after Bridget Jones’s Diary first captured hearts, the fourth installment in the beloved franchise follows Bridget as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.
Now 51, Bridget is a single mother of two following the death of her husband, Mark Darcy. As she balances parenting, a successful career, and friendships, she decides to reenter the dating scene. Her journey leads her to Roxster, a charming 29-year-old played by Leo Woodall.
Woodall admitted he felt pressure stepping into the role but found working alongside Zellweger to be a rewarding experience. “She is just joyous, generous, and kind. I knew from the start it was going to be easy-going forward,” he shared.
A familiar face returns in the form of Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver, Bridget’s former love interest, adding to the nostalgic charm of the film. Chiwetel Ejiofor also joins the cast as one of Bridget’s children’s teachers, calling his decision to join the franchise “the easiest yes.”
Zellweger believes Bridget’s enduring appeal lies in her relatability. “I think a lot of people connect with her challenges, her vulnerability,” she said, crediting writer Helen Fielding for creating a character who resonates across generations.
Bridget first entered pop culture in Fielding’s 1996 novel Bridget Jones’s Diary, with her humorous diary entries detailing weight struggles, love life mishaps, and everyday worries. The book’s success led to three film adaptations: Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), and Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016).
Director Michael Morris didn’t rule out the possibility of another sequel, saying that decision ultimately rests with Fielding.
Distributed by Universal Pictures, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy begins its global cinematic release on February 12. Fans worldwide are eager to reunite with Bridget as she takes on love, motherhood, and life’s next great adventure.
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