Fans were giddy with Bridget Jones fever as the stars of the popular rom-com franchise flocked to London for the premiere of the latest installment, Mad About The Boy. Leading lady Renée Zellweger pulled out all the stops for the occasion last week, posing up a storm in a stunning fuchsia gown as she stopped for red-carpet photographs with her co-stars Hugh Grant and Leo Woodall. The beaming actress, 55 – who made her debut as the wholly relatable Bridget back in 2001 – was also accompanied by her boyfriend, Ant Anstead, on the special evening, with the pair appearing blissfully happy as they left the after-party hand-in-hand.
But the snaps sparked speculation about Renée's joyful demeanor, particularly as fans noted a plaster on her wedding ring finger. Some questioned whether it was to conceal news of her engagement, with one fan posting, "Covering it up is like wearing a bullseye target! Congratulations to her, if so." Engagement rumors have circulated before; during the summer of 2023, two years after Renée and TV presenter Ant, 45, began dating, sources claimed, "Renée has been telling her inner circle about organizing their nuptials – everything will be very low-key. Her relationship with Ant is super strong, and they’re madly in love, and they can’t wait to get hitched." While these engagement speculations are not new, sources confirmed the couple is moving in together, adding to the happy narrative.
The award-winning actress hasn’t always enjoyed such good fortune in love. Her first high-profile romance, with actor Jim Carrey, was both intense and brief. After their engagement in late 2000 dissolved, Jim referred to Zellweger as the "great love of my life" years later. After a brief marriage to country singer Kenny Chesney was annulled under the banner of 'fraud', and her relationship with Bradley Cooper ended amicably, Renée seems to have found stability with Ant.
Meanwhile, Renée celebrated her role as Bridget at the Amsterdam premiere, where she showcased her chic houndstooth gown. The actress appeared radiant as she posed for selfies with excited fans. Her outfit, featuring silver buttons and quirky pleated detailing, accentuated her toned arms, which she views as her red carpet secret weapon. Renée forwent any heavy jewelry, letting her outfit shine instead, and received plenty of compliments as she swept her blonde locks back, letting just the right amount of strands frame her face.
She was joined at the premiere by co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor, 47, who plays her onscreen love interest Mr. Wallaker, and the movie's director Michael Morris, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the evening. Renée couldn’t suppress her joy at the Royal Theater Tuschinski premiere, where she delighted fans with selfies. Despite the festive mood, the latest installment of the franchise has faced its share of critique—some have accused it of going "woke" with its depiction of modern relationships.
The character Bridget, first introduced via Helen Fielding's columns and later made famous through the film adaptations, has had her share of struggles and triumphs. This time, Bridget finds herself single again after the death of her previous love, Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth. The film depicts her growth, showcasing her decision to shun smoking and tackle the ups and downs of single parenthood as she broadens her romantic horizons anew.
Notably, Bridget shies away from the old humor associated with her character when she quips, "I think you will find the sort of language is a little outmoded in the workplace," to advances made by her younger co-worker. It seems the beloved character is growing with the times—she is now the mother of two children and must navigate both the joys and challenges of parenting alongside her romantic entanglements.
Bridget's character also engages with themes of emotional awareness, noting, "This is Billy — the science genius," only to be gently scolded by her nanny not to pigeonhole her children. The film’s underlying message echoes the importance of finding joy and embracing the messiness of life, moving away from the classic pursuit of ‘happily ever after’ toward recognizing the value within the process itself.
With her signature blend of charm and relatable messiness, Renée Zellweger embodies the essence of Bridget Jones as the franchise transitions to its new themes. It remains to be seen how audiences will embrace this evolution, but the excitement surrounding its premiere has already generated significant buzz.