Two-time Academy Award winner Renée Zellweger feels like returning to Bridget Jones, even after all these years, is like coming home. “In the books, on the screen, it feels like you’re having a reunion with your friend,” Zellweger says. “It’s such an interesting thing for a fictional character to move through life at the same pace as the folks who relate to her and love her. People feel that they can see themselves reflected in Bridget’s life experiences. They want to meet up with her again to see how she’s grown and how her life has changed—how she’s dealing with her current challenges. This is felt universally by those who have grown up with Bridget.”
For director Michael Morris, Zellwegger is captivating and has always embodied the charm and wonder of Bridget Jones, and was excited to work with her for Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. “Renée is one of these people who is absolutely herself,” Morris says. “She’s wildly friendly and bursts through any preconception you may have about what a Hollywood star is like. This woman has been in all my favorite films. For as long as I can remember, character after character—from comedies and dramas to musicals, there’s nothing that she doesn’t do. But when you’re talking to her, she’s completely present. I think that’s why she’s so wonderful in this role.”
Director Morris also feels like seeing Zellwegger back in this role is a blessing in itself. “What Renée brings to Bridget is this wonderfully relentless optimism and positivity,” Morris says. “You get the sense that Bridget cares about the people that she’s with…and that Bridget wants things to be perfect for everyone. Renée radiates that.”
In the continuation of Bridget Jones’ story, her life has completely changed, and it comes with its own struggles. Zellwegger feels like it’s a chance to connect with the audience that grew up with the film, and the universal experience of falling in love and forging relationships with people. lf. “It’s funny, I can chronicle my own decades and life experiences around making these films with the extended Bridget family,” Zellweger says. “It’s always very emotional when we get back together with true friends, and more so when we leave. There is a correlation between Bridget and me that is strongest with people who love her…but it’s within themselves. We had the opportunity to create Bridget on screen, but people were already in love with her. Bridget reminds us that it’s okay to be imperfect. You can still get the guy, still succeed and be happy when you’re just yourself. You’re okay being imperfect.”
Set your Valentine’s Day movie date with your loved one and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy as it opens in Philippine theaters on February 12. Follow Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG), and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest updates.
