Deadline reports that Renée Zellweger will reprise her role as Bridget Jones in the upcoming fourth installment of the romantic comedy film series, “Mad About the Boy.” The actress will be joined by another fan-favorite of the franchise: Hugh Grant.
The two-time Oscar winner first took the role of Jones in the 2001 rom-com based on Helen Fielding’s 1996 novel of the same name. In the first installment, Jones was a 32-year-old single woman who is in the middle of a love triangle between Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth, and Daniel Cleaver, played by Grant.
The movie was a commercial and critical success, and earned Zellweger her first Oscar nomination. So, it was followed by two equally successful sequels, “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” (2004) and “Bridget Jones’s Baby” (2016). So, what is “Mad About the Boy” about? Here’s all we know.
What is “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” about?
According to Deadline, the sequel will be based on the third book in Fielding’s series. The story picks up with Bridget in her early fifties, as she navigates the challenges of modern life while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood.
Who is in the cast of “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”?
Apart from Zellwelger as the main character, Grant reprises his role as Daniel Cleaver, one of Jones’ love interests in the past. In the third film, it was presumed that Cleaver was dead after a plane crash but the movie ends with a newspaper headline revealing he was found alive.
Meanwhile, Emma Thompson returns as Doctor Rawlings, Jones’ OB/GYN. Newcomers to the cast will include Chiwetel Ejiofor (Rob Peace) and Leo Woodall (The White Lotus, One Day), but their roles haven’t been disclosed yet.
Is Colin Firth returning as Mark Darcy?
It hasn’t been announced yet if Firth will reprise his role as Mark Darcy. In the last film, Bridget and Mark get married after having their baby. However, in the book the movie will be based on (SPOILERS AHEAD!), Mark Darcy is dead. So, it’s unclear if Firth could return in any capacity or if they are following the same plotlines.
Who will direct the film?
Michael Morris, whose directorial feature debut “To Leslie” earned an Oscar nomination for Andrea Riseborough as Best Actress, will helm the movie. He has a long-career on TV, directing for series such as Better Call Saul, Extrapolations, Locke & Key, 13 Reasons Why, House of Cards and Bloodline, and more.
Is there a release date yet?
Deadline reports that the film is slated for release in theaters internationally and on Peacock in the U.S. on Valentine’s Day 2025.
