Helen Fielding, the author behind the Bridget Jones series, recently shared her thoughts on the upcoming installment, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, in an interview with Variety. Fielding expressed immense pride in Bridget’s growth throughout the movie franchise, especially in how the character continues to resonate with audiences, including younger generations like Gen Z. Fielding never imagined that Bridget, who first appeared in an anonymous column nearly 24 years ago, would still be so relevant today.
Fielding spoke about the challenges young women face today, particularly with the rise of social media and the pressure to conform to body standards, despite the movement for body positivity. She feels proud that Bridget’s character offers a sense of relatability for younger audiences who are navigating these tough issues.
Looking ahead to the highly anticipated fourth film in the franchise, Fielding hopes the movie will challenge stereotypes, particularly those regarding older women dating younger men. She emphasized that Bridget is not defined by outdated views and hopes to present her character in a way that encourages people to rethink these misconceptions.
Fielding also reflected on the initial backlash when Renée Zellweger was cast as Bridget, particularly due to her being American. However, Fielding now believes that Zellweger has been “perfect” for the role from the start. Zellweger’s embodiment of Bridget’s mannerisms, accent, and body language made her portrayal feel authentic, and Fielding credits Zellweger’s interpretation of the character as a key part of how Bridget is now written.
The new film, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, premiered on February 12, and fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting Bridget’s next chapter.