Bridget Jones finds herself torn between two new romantic prospects in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy—a twist that even took star Renée Zellweger by surprise.
“It was sad as an actress not to share the experience with [Colin Firth] and also know that Mark Darcy’s gone away,” Zellweger, 55, told at the film’s red carpet premiere on Wednesday, February 12, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
“[It’s] something really important for Bridget’s journey in this chapter of her life, which is that if she does choose new happiness, does that mean that she didn’t love him enough? I think it’s a familiar struggle for a lot of people.”
The first three Bridget Jones films—adapted from Helen Fielding’s beloved novels—offered a modern take on Pride & Prejudice, with Zellweger’s Bridget ultimately finding love with Mark Darcy (Firth).
However, Mad About the Boy introduces a significant shift: Mark has passed away, leaving Bridget a widow and single mother to their two children.
As she navigates this new reality, Bridget is drawn to two love interests: Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Roxstar (Leo Woodall).
Firth, 64, also makes an appearance in the film, as does Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver, whose presumed death was revealed as a misunderstanding in 2016’s Bridget Jones’s Baby.
Why Mark Darcy’s Fate Was Sealed
According to author and screenwriter Fielding, Mark’s death was the only way to propel Bridget’s story forward.
Bridget Jones in Mad About The Boy“The thing is, Mark Darcy is ultimately a gentleman. He never would have left her with two children, so how could I make Bridget a single mom without murdering Colin Firth?”
Fielding, 66, jokingly told at the NYC premiere. She also revealed Firth’s humorous response to his character’s demise: “Colin and Hugh call each other Mrs. Darcy and Mrs. Cleaver. And he said, ‘I should’ve murdered Mrs. Cleaver instead.’ I love them.”
Bridget’s Evolution in Mad About the Boy
Beyond widowhood and motherhood, Mad About the Boy also captures Bridget’s personal growth—a key element Zellweger found important.
“We’re a little more measured, hopefully, and more mature,” she said. “It’s a different perspective, different values when you reach this stage in life. So, I really appreciated that this film explores the meaningful things life throws at you.”
Despite the emotional depth, the movie maintains the franchise’s signature humor.
“It was hard to keep a straight face. We had a good giggle,” Zellweger told Us about filming a particularly funny scene with costar Emma Thompson. “I think I might’ve seen [her] about to go too at one point, which was a real triumph in my opinion.”
When to Watch
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy premieres on Peacock on Thursday, February 13.