The long-awaited return of Renée Zellweger as the beloved Bridget Jones is nearly here! The promotional events surrounding the fourth installment, "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy," have captured the hearts of fans worldwide, and the excitement is palpable. Marking over two decades since the inception of the iconic character, the film is set to premiere on February 13, 2025, and the world cannot wait.
On January 27, 2025, Zellweger and her co-star Hugh Grant led the pink carpet at the Parisian premiere, evoking nostalgia as they stepped out dressed similarly to their appearances nearly 24 years ago. Zellweger dazzled in a black lace gown with one shoulder, reminiscent of the elegant fashion choices she's known for. Grant sported a dapper ensemble, wearing classic black attire topped off with his signature casual white button-down. The duo posed for pictures alongside their new co-stars Leo Woodall and Chiwetel Ejiofor, as well as director Michael Morris and screenwriter Helen Fielding, whose work has paved the way for the Bridget Jones cinematic universe.
Earlier interviews from the stars reveal the personal journeys they underwent during their hiatus from the limelight. Zellweger candidly shared with British Vogue, "I was sick of the sound of my own voice." After taking time off from the industry, she spent years focusing on personal development, attending to familial ties, and exploring new paths, including music and law. Grant reflected on his own career struggles and realization of the value of his past works, stating, "It’s nice to have made movies...they’re much harder than people think." His nostalgic charm as Daniel Cleaver shines through as the character navigates the modern-day social intricacies.
Notably, Zellweger's portrayal of Bridget has evolved significantly. Now, the character is framed as grappling with the heavy burdens of grief after losing her husband Mark Darcy and tackling the challenges of single motherhood. This is not just another romantic comedy; as director Michael Morris describes it, “a comedy of grief.” The idea of embracing new relationships is introduced through her younger love interest, portrayed by Leo Woodall.
The film's emotional depth and the new storylines have sparked conversations among fans questioning whether the character remains relatable as she transitions to this new phase of life. Critics might assert it reflects societal changes over the years, with several reviews highlighting the modern-day adaptations of Bridget's character, who has traded her calorie counting for parenting blues and embracing the Tinder dating scene. One critic penned, "Bridget is now grappling with two enormous challenges in grief and parenting...but she’s still the same Bridget she always was."
One of the most talked-about elements of this film is the supporting cast's return. Hugh Grant's character brings back the same charming antics fans fondly recall, as he humorously reflects on his character's history and predicted once-upon-a-time romantic escapades. Grant cleverly points out, "I think if he had just been walking up and down Kings Road chatting up girls for 24 years, it would have been hard to endure him," providing insight on how characters evolve without losing their essence.
On February 4, the promotional tour continued with another premiere stop in Amsterdam, where Zellweger donned yet another chic look, this time captivating the audience with her houndstooth dress. She was joined by co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor and director Morris as they showcased the film to eager fans. The film is expected to hit UK cinemas on February 13, followed by streaming on Peacock within the U.S. and various international premiere goings.
No Bridget Jones film would be complete without memorable music, and this new entry is no exception. The soundtrack includes stars such as David Bowie and Nina Simone, along with fresh tracks perfect for encapsulating the essence of Bridget’s life experiences. Dinah Washington’s emotive "Mad About the Boy" fits seamlessly within the thematic alignment of the film's title.
With every promotional venture, from red carpet appearances to heartfelt interviews, anticipation continues to rise for "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy." The film promises to meld nostalgia with contemporary and relevant life challenges, poised for heartwarming stories and humorous escapades. Within it all, audiences can safely rely on Zellweger's Bridget to schlep through adulting trials, just as she struggled before – making her return both relevant and exciting to follow.