Renée Zellweger stole the spotlight at the premiere of "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" held at the Odeon Luxe theater in Leicester Square, London, on January 29, 2025, as fans eagerly awaited the fourth film featuring the iconic character.
Sporting an electrifying bright pink gown with a metallic sheen, Zellweger, 55, stood out with her ensemble, which featured a rounded strapless neckline and sweeping train. This show-stopping attire was complemented by matching deep pink pointy pumps with mirror effects. The actress eschewed heavy jewelry, opting for minimal makeup and a low ponytail, showcasing her chic sensibility.
Joined on the red carpet by longtime co-star Hugh Grant, who kept it classic with his black suit and white shirt, Zellweger posed for photos with other cast members, including Leo Woodall, who plays her new love interest. Woodall, 28, drew attention with his trendy corduroy suit. The cast's camaraderie was evident as they shared smiles and laughter, engaging the audience and photographers alike.
Based on Helen Fielding's 2013 book, the new film explores Bridget's life as she navigates motherhood following the loss of her husband, Mark Darcy. The film intertwines themes of resilience, love, and the humorous challenges of dating as a single parent. This installment promises to deliver the charm and wit fans have come to love, featuring recurring characters alongside new faces.
The excitement surrounding this premiere marks the return of Bridget Jones more than two decades after the debut of the first film, "Bridget Jones’s Diary," in 2001. The original movie, which was based on Fielding's bestselling novel, garnered immense popularity, leading to two successful sequels, "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" and "Bridget Jones’s Baby," released in 2004 and 2016, respectively. Collectively, the trio has grossed over $760 million worldwide, establishing Bridget as a cultural icon.
During the promotional tour for the latest film, Zellweger reflected on her hiatus from acting, stating, "When I was working, I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, listen to you. Are you sad again, Renée? Oh, is this your mad voice?’ It was regurgitation of the same emotional experiences.” Her candidness reveals the growth she experienced during her time away, focusing on personal projects and the exploration of new endeavours.
Behind the scenes, her relationship with boyfriend Ant Anstead, who was present to support her at the premiere, continues to blossom. The couple, linked since June 2021, shared charming moments at the afterparty, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of the night.
The film's release on February 12, 2025, has been highly anticipated, with many considering it the ideal Valentine’s Day flick. The emotional ties of love and family explored within its narrative are expected to resonate deeply with audiences.
For both fans of the franchise and newcomers, "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" promises to capture the humor and heart of Bridget’s antics as she finds her way through life’s ups and downs, proving once again why she’s beloved by so many. The film will also be available for streaming on Peacock starting February 13, 2025.