Bridget Jones fans are sharing their excitement online after it was reported that One Day star Leo Woodall will play the titular character’s love interest in Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy.
After months of anticipation, the studio responsible for the franchise officially announced the return of the beloved heroine for a fourth installment on the big screen on Tuesday – and that not only would Renee Zellweger reprise her role but Woodall would be joining the cast.
The third film, Bridget Jones’ Baby, depicted her unexpected pregnancy, which coincided with a love triangle involving her on-off boyfriend Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth, and a new suitor Jack Quant, portrayed by Patrick Dempsey, as they competed for her affection.
Although Bridget ended up welcoming her first child with Mark and marrying, it appears that Firth will not be returning for the fourth film, which is set four years after the events of the previous.
In Helen Fielding’s 2013 novel Mad About the Boy, Bridget finds herself widowed with two young children, after Mark tragically dies following a landmine incident in Sudan.
Should the fourth movie follow the storyline of the book then moviegoers will see Bridget navigate the modern dating scene and entertain not one but two romances: Roxster, a 30-year-old toy boy and her kids’ teacher, Mr Wallaker.
In light of Woodall’s involvement in the film, The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter reported that the 27-year-old will play Roxster, which has delighted his fans online.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one wrote: “Obviously Mr Darcy is missing wtffff, BUT LEO WOODALL? I'm going to die!”
“WAIT HOLD ON LEO WOODALL??? FOR BRIDGET JONES????” another enthusiastically penned.
A third shared: “Leo Woodall in a classic romcom like my scream will be heard around the world”.
Although his role is yet to be confirmed, Woodall has recently seen his star rise after starring in Netflix’s One Day, alongside Ambika Mod, who played his love interest Emma Morley.
His portrayal of Dexter Mayhew, grappling with the challenges of fame and coping with his mother's death, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Before his breakout role in One Day, he appeared in the second season of White Lotus, playing the cockney troublemaker Jack.
Aside from Woodall, Hugh Grant is set to reprise his iconic role as loverat Daniel Cleaver while Emma Thompson - who played Doctor Rawlings in Bridget Jones's Baby is also back, with Chiwetel Ejiofor also set to star. It is speculated that Ejiofor will play Mr Wallaker.
Director Michael Morris, known for his work on To Leslie, will take the helm of the film adaptation while author Helen Fielding will write the script.
Universal Pictures plans to release the film on Valentine's Day 2025.
