It’s finally happening! Iconic 2000’s rom-com Bridget Jones’ Diary is receiving a fourth instalment — and we’ve got the pictures to prove it.
It’s hard to think of Renée Zellweger without thinking of one of her most iconic roles as Bridget Jones. The loveable, yet hopelessly tragic ‘spinster’ who couldn’t quite find her place in the world was one of the most relatable onscreen characters who always kept it real.
The third (and allegedly final) film left Jones happily back together with Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and raising their first child together, a son named William.
But, it seems Bridget, Mark and William’s story might not be over after all, with a fourth film, titled Mad About The Boy officially in the works. Keeping reading for everything we know about the upcoming movie.
What Is Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy About?
According to early reports, like the other films in the franchise, Mad About The Boy will borrow its plot from the novel by the same name, meaning we already have some clues as to what it will be about.
“Fourteen years after landing Mark Darcy, Bridget’s life has taken her places she never expected. But despite the new challenges of single parenting, online dating, wildly morphing dress sizes, and bafflingly complex remote controls, she is the same irrepressible and endearing soul we all remember,” the book’s official synopsis reads.
Who Is Cast In Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy?
Fans of the franchise will be delighted to hear that original stars Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant are confirmed to reunite for the fourth film. Sadly, however, Colin Firth has not signed on to revive his character Mark Darcy.
The Sun recently confirmed this news, reporting that the film will kick off with Firth’s character killed off.
“Bridget is a single mum trying to navigate a new world of social media and dating apps after Mark’s death, so she’s definitely going to end up in a pickle,” the publication reported.
However all hope is not lost. Signing on as Bridget’s love interest in the upcoming movie is One Day star Leo Woodall, The Sun reported.
“Bridget is going to be a real cougar in the new film and she’ll be seen starting a relationship with a much younger character played by Leo,” a source told the publication. Consider us intrigued!It seems there’s truth to this speculation, with People obtaining new images of Woodall apparently on set of the film and, unsurprisingly sending fans into overdrive. In the snaps, the actor can be seen filming in a London park, wearing what looks to be a park ranger uniform. See for yourself here.
Emma Thompson will also re-appear, alongside franchise newcomer Chiwetel Ejiofor.
When Was The Fourth Bridget Jones Movie Confirmed?
In early 2024, reports began to flow in that Bridget Jones 4 was indeed being reprised, with Renee Zellweger signed on to continue playing her iconic role as Jones. Mail Online reports that filming for the new movie is set to begin in May 2024, in London.
“Bridget is back and is about to take over London. Filming is being mapped out already and all of the pre- production is in place,” a source told the publication. “There was some uncertainty about whether it would get off the ground, but the movie is coming.”
In April 2024 it was confirmed that Bridget Jones 4 will be called Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, following the plot of the 2014 novel, where the now 51-year-old journalist navigates dating in the modern day app-based landscape.
What Has Happened In The Bridget Jones Movie Franchise So Far?
In case you’ve somehow managed to miss the mania of the first three Bridget Jones movies, allow us to fill you in.
The first film, Bridget Jones’ Diary, saw Bridget’s heart strings tugged by the stiff, shy barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), and her charming yet arrogant boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Of course, nice guys finish first in this cinematic universe, and Mark wins Bridget’s heart by the end of the film.
In the second film, Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason, Bridget’s head is briefly turned after running into Daniel while travelling to Thailand. But despite a brief affair with her former flame, Bridget ends up in Mark’s arms, and the film ends with the pair finally getting married.
During the third film, Bridget Jones’ Baby, we are met with a recently-divorced Bridget, and a new love interest: American billionaire Jack (Patrick Dempsey). After meeting at Glastonbury Festival, Bridget discovers she is pregnant, and with the paternity of the unborn child unknown, Jack and Mark battle it out to win Bridget’s heart. Also important to note, Daniel Cleaver is presumed dead throughout most of the third film. At the end of the film, however, we discover that he has been found alive, perhaps opening the door for Hugh Grant to reprise his role as the dangerously charming dirt bag in the fourth installment?
