“Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” has been promoted as the fourth and final installment of the beloved series, but Renée Zellweger, who has embodied the iconic character for over two decades, isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.
At the film’s premiere in London’s Leicester Square, Zellweger admitted she is “in denial” about the possibility of the franchise closing, humorously adding, “Let me live in denial for a little longer.”
The actress, who described Bridget as an “old friend,” still feels deeply attached to the character. However, while there are no official plans for another sequel, author Helen Fielding has not completely ruled out the possibility of more stories.
The latest film centers on Bridget, now a widow and single mother, navigating the complexities of modern dating.
Fielding drew inspiration from her own experience of loss, as her husband, Kevin Curran, passed away in 2016.
Zellweger praised the film as a “beautiful story,” noting that it is particularly personal for Fielding, sharing her journey through grief and finding happiness again.
Zellweger, who has always considered herself “really, really lucky” to have played Bridget, humorously reflected on the early days of her career when she “was just trying not to get fired.”
The premiere also highlighted the strong bonds between the cast, including a warm embrace between Zellweger and her on-screen father, Jim Broadbent.
Hugh Grant also made an appearance, reprising his role as Daniel Cleaver, Bridget’s former love interest.
In this new film, Cleaver, initially thought to be dead in the previous installment, shows a more vulnerable side, while Bridget explores new romantic possibilities.
Bridget’s love interests in this film are portrayed by fresh faces, including 29-year-old Leo Woodall, who plays her Tinder match, and BAFTA-winning actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, who portrays a reserved teacher Bridget meets on the school run.
Woodall spoke about the pressure he felt joining the cast but praised Zellweger for making the experience “relatively easy” due to her warmth and generosity.
Ejiofor, known for his roles in dramas like 12 Years a Slave, described the film as “a different speed” from his usual projects but enjoyed the positive energy on set.
Fielding believes the lasting appeal of Bridget Jones lies in her “emotional honesty,” which has resonated with audiences since the character first appeared in the 1990s.
She reflected on how she originally wrote Bridget as an anonymous column, not expecting it to last, and credits its success to its relatable authenticity.
Interestingly, Fielding also mentioned the connection between Bridget’s love interest, Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth, and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
While she wouldn’t confirm any direct inspiration, Fielding cheekily noted, “If you look at early pictures of Colin in the film and pictures of Keir Starmer in a wig, they’re awfully similar.”
As for the future of Bridget, Fielding remains optimistic, saying, “Never say never,” leaving the door open for more stories down the line.
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