It’s been a whopping 23 years (?!) since one of the most captivatingly chaotic characters in movie history first graced our screens. And soon – more than two decades after wailing out ‘all by myself’ in her living room – our beloved Bridget Jones is making the ultimate comeback. And it looks like she’s just as busy and important as ever.
What is Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy about?
The storyline of the fourth installment in the Bridget Jones chronicles comes courtesy of Helen Fielding’s 2013 novel of the same name. We’re not entirely sure how closely the movie adaptation will follow the plot of the book, but we’re expecting to see a 51-year-old Bridget navigating life as a single mother of two, following the death of her husband, Mark Darcy. Dun dun duuun.
Who can we expect to see in the cast?
Renée Zellweger is – of course – returning as our much-loved protagonist, and has already been spotted out-and-about in London whilst filming. Hugh Grant is said to be miraculously returning for the fourth film, after it was revealed that his character, Daniel Cleaver (a personified red-flag), had actually survived the plane crash which the third film led us to believe he’d died in.
New-heartthrob-on-the-block, Leo Woodall (One Day), will be joining the cast as Bridget’s (28 years younger) love interest, and Emma Thompson will also reportedly be back by popular demand after stealing our hearts as Doctor Rawlings in Bridget Jones’s Baby. Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) is also set to be joining the cast – and reportedly, Isla Fisher has been spotted doing some filming for the new movie, too. Colin Firth is yet to confirm whether he will be reprising his role as the dreamy-but-slightly-dull Mark Darcy.
Filming locations of the new film
Filming has apparently just wrapped, and over the past few months, many eagle-eyed Londoners spotted scenes being filmed around the capital city. Renée Zellweger was spotted filming at a bus stop on north London’s Haverstock Hill back on May 19 – and was also seen waving at onlookers in Hackney on May 22.
Zellweger and Leo Woodall were spotted at Electric Cinema in Notting Hill. And the pair were also seen filming a scene where Bridget is stuck up a tree. All in a day’s work, hey?
In the previous three films, Bridget’s iconic flat and doorstep can be found in Borough Market. The doorstep actually belongs to the Globe Tavern pub on Bedale Street, but we’re not yet sure if it will be featured in the new film.
When is the trailer being released?
Avid cinema-goers may have already had a sneak peek of the trailer because it was released in cinemas only on August 8. Those heading out to watch Blake Lively’s new flick, ‘It Ends With Us’, were treated to the new Bridget Jones trailer during the adverts.
The trailer confirmed that Bridget is living life in London as a single mother of two, surrounded by her faithful friends Sharon (Sally Phillips), Jude (Shirley Henderson) and Tom (James Callis). The most exciting confirmation that came from the trailer is that Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) is alive and kicking in the new film. He’s seen in the trailer whipping up cocktails at Bridget’s home. Emma Thompson also features in the trailer as her much-loved character, Dr Rawlings. Yippee!
When is the film being released?
In true rom-com style, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is being released on Valentine’s Day next year (February 14, 2025). Because after all, who needs a date when you’ve got Bridget Jones, a cosy blanket, and a massive tub of Ben & Jerry’s to keep you company?