The cast of the highly anticipated film, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, dazzled audiences at its Sydney premiere, held at Hoyts Entertainment Quarter on Sunday night. Lead actress Renée Zellweger, who has embodied the character of Bridget Jones for over two decades, walked the purple carpet alongside her co-stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Sally Phillips, and director Michael Morris. This marks the Australian premiere of what is touted as the final chapter of the beloved Bridget Jones franchise.
Universal Pictures describes Mad About the Boy as following Bridget, now a widow and mother to two children, grappling with the loss of her husband Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth. The film delves deep as Bridget navigates the challenges of single motherhood and the precarious world of dating again. Having lost her husband four years prior, she finds herself thrust back on the dating scene, pressured by her friends and family to make new romantic connections.
Bridget’s struggles resonate with audiences, as she attempts to cope with the perfect mothers at her children's school, all the whilst engaging with her son’s science teacher, played by Ejiofor, and juggling her personal and professional life. The combination of her longing for connection, intertwined with her roles as mother and employee, forms the crux of the film's narrative.
Speaking to the press at the event, Zellweger expressed mixed emotions about the premiere, saying, "I'm still in denial about saying goodbye to Bridget after over twenty years." She fondly recalled, "There’s so much to love about her, but particularly, I love her optimism and the way she gives us all permission to be our authentic selves." Her reflection encapsulates the enduring appeal of Bridget Jones, embodying the trials and tribulations faced by so many women.
Director Michael Morris, too, acknowledged the weight of closing such an iconic story. "Standing here in Sydney finally after all this time making the film... it feels really bloody great," he said, celebrating the supportive atmosphere of the cast and crew. Morris emphasized the film's aim to handle themes of grief and resurgence, asserting, "If you're going to tell the story about moving on from a terrible loss, the audience is going to feel it deeply."
New arrivals to the cast include the youthful Woodall, who plays Bridget’s romantic interest Roxster. Woodall shared his gratitude for being part of the franchise, stating, "Renée's the best... it was really fun and easy joining the cast and crew." Ejiofor, portraying Bridget’s children’s teacher, Mr. Wallaker, indicated the special nature of this film, affirming, "It's amazing to be part of such a beloved franchise. Renée has done such an incredible job bringing this story to life, and the warmth she brings is palpable."
Perhaps one of the most controversial shifts within this installment is the heartbreaking death of Mark Darcy. Recognized as Bridget's soulmate, his absence is felt throughout the film as Bridget moves through her grief, and according to Morris, it was necessary to honor him appropriately. "Mark Darcy may not be alive, but his presence is felt and his character is very important to this film's experience," he remarked.
While the film introduces significant emotional themes, it also targets societal norms surrounding dating, particularly for older women. Helen Fielding, the author of the original Bridget Jones work, expressed her goal to challenge what she calls the 'sexual sell-by date' stereotype for women. "For years we saw Hollywood allow men to date much younger women, but now we are celebrating women doing the same," she noted, spotlighting the nuanced relationship Bridget builds with her younger love interest.
Sally Phillips, reprising her role as Bridget’s best friend Shazzer, highlighted the importance of long-term female relationships throughout the series. Reflecting on her character, Phillips noted how the urban family depiction has evolved through the films, emphasizing the core theme of friendship among women as pivotal to Bridget's identity.
Given the film’s release on February 13, 2025, excitement and anticipation have generated buzz around this heartwarming yet humorous ending to Bridget's story. Many fans await the moment when they can witness how this beloved character endeavors to break free from her past and embrace new beginnings.
With themes of friendship, love, loss, and buoyancy running throughout, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy promises to resonate with audiences. Zellweger’s final portrayal of Bridget has undoubtedly solidified her place as one of cinematic history’s most impactful female characters, with her allure lasting well beyond the franchise's conclusion.