
The main cast attends the world premiere of the film "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" at Leicester Square in London, Britain, January 29, 2025.
In the latest adaptation, 51-year-old Bridget decides to try dating again and meets 29-year-old Roxster
Bridget's friend and former lover Daniel, played by Hugh Grant, also appears in the romantic comedy
Renee Zellweger said her character Bridget Jones "feels like an old friend" as she and the cast of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" attended the film's world premiere in London on Wednesday.
Over two decades after "Bridget Jones's Diary" came out, the fourth movie in the series finds Bridget now a single mother of two after the death of her husband, Mark Darcy.
Bridget's friend and former lover, Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant, also appears in the romantic comedy.
As Bridget juggles a career, parenting, seeing friends, and starting to date again, Zellweger says the character's vulnerability connects with audiences.
Cast member Hugh Grant and Anna Elisabet Eberstein attend the world premiere of the film "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" at Leicester Square in London, Britain, January 29, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
"I think a lot of people relate to the challenges that she finds her way through, her vulnerability," Zellweger said on the red carpet.
She praised writer Helen Fielding for creating a character that many people find endearing, as well as "moments that seem universally and cross-generationally relatable."
Bridget Jones and her romantic adventures first made their mark on pop culture in Fielding's 1996 hit novel Bridget Jones's Diary, set in London.
The character's entries listing her weight, alcohol, cigarette consumption, and details of her love life struck a chord with audiences. Three more books followed, as well as a series of movie adaptations: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001), Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), and Bridget Jones's Baby (2016).
In the latest big-screen adaptation, the now 51-year-old Bridget decides to try dating again and meets 29-year-old Roxster, played by Leo Woodall.
"I felt a lot of pressure going into it. But then I met her (Zellweger), and she is just joyous, generous, kind, and ... a wonderful actor. I knew ... it would be relatively easy-going forward," Woodall said.
The movie also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays one of Bridget's children's teachers. Known for films such as 12 Years a Slave and Children of Men, Ejiofor said joining the franchise was the "easiest yes."
"Renee has done an amazing job of creating this character. Very few things have lasted for 25, 30 years," he said.
Film director Michael Morris did not rule out further movie adventures for Bridget but said that was ultimately up to Fielding.
"Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy," released by Universal Pictures, begins its global cinematic rollout on February 12.
Popular
Spotlight
More from Lifestyle
Gender fluid designs kick off London Fashion Week
From Friday morning, regulars of the event organized by the British Fashion Council (BFC) will take over runways
Comments
See what people are discussing