It’s finally happening! Iconic 2000’s rom-com Bridget Jones’ Diary is receiving a fourth instalment with a fourth film, titled Mad About The Boy due to drop in a matter of months.
It’s hard to think of Renée Zellweger without thinking of one of her most iconic roles as Bridget Jones. The loveable, yet hopelessly tragic ‘spinster’ who couldn’t quite find her place in the world was one of the most relatable onscreen characters who always kept it real.
The third (and allegedly final) film left Jones happily back together with Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and raising their first child together, a son named William. While sources seemingly confirmed that Firth would not be joining the fourth film and that his character would in fact be killed off, Firth’s recent appearance on the set of the film has fans confused.
Now that Bridget, Mark and William’s story might not be over after all, keep reading for everything you need to know about the upcoming movie.
What Is Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy About?
According to early reports, like the other films in the franchise, Mad About The Boy will borrow its plot from the novel by the same name, meaning we already have some clues as to what it will be about.
“Fourteen years after landing Mark Darcy, Bridget’s life has taken her places she never expected. But despite the new challenges of single parenting, online dating, wildly morphing dress sizes, and bafflingly complex remote controls, she is the same irrepressible and endearing soul we all remember,” the book’s official synopsis reads.
While previous sightings of Colin Firth on set confused fans given he passes away in the book, we now know his stint in the film is brief as confirmed by both the film synopsis and the new trailer.
The plot reads: “Bridget is alone once again, widowed four years ago, when Mark (Colin Firth) was killed on a humanitarian mission in the Sudan. She’s now a single mother to 9-year-old Billy and 4-year-old Mabel, and is stuck in a state of emotional limbo, raising her children with help from her loyal friends and even her former lover, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant).
“Pressured by her Urban Family —Shazzer, Jude and Tom, her work colleague Miranda, her mother, and her gynecologist Dr. Rawlings (Thompson) — to forge a new path toward life and love, Bridget goes back to work and even tries out the dating apps, where she’s soon pursued by a dreamy and enthusiastic younger man (Woodall).
Who Is Cast In Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy?
Fans of the franchise will be delighted to hear that original stars Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant are confirmed to reunite for the fourth film as well as a brief appearance from Firth.
Initial reports confirmed that Colin Firth did not sign on to revive his character, Mark Darcy.
The Sun seemingly confirmed this news, reporting that the film will follow the book and see Firth’s character killed by a landmine while advocating for the release of aid workers in war torn Sudan.
“Bridget is a single mum trying to navigate a new world of social media and dating apps after Mark’s death, so she’s definitely going to end up in a pickle,” the publication reported. However, with the release of the new trailer, we know that to no longer be the case.
Signing on as Bridget’s love interest in the upcoming movie is One Day star Leo Woodall.
“Bridget is going to be a real cougar in the new film and she’ll be seen starting a relationship with a much younger character played by Leo,” a source told the publication.
Prior to official confirmation of this, People obtained images of Woodall on set of the film and, unsurprisingly sending fans into overdrive. In the snaps, the actor can be seen filming in a London park, wearing what looks to be a park ranger uniform. See for yourself here.
Emma Thompson will also re-appear, alongside franchise newcomer Chiwetel Ejiofor.
When Was The Fourth Bridget Jones Movie Confirmed?
In early 2024, reports began to flow in that Bridget Jones 4 was indeed being reprised, with Renee Zellweger signed on to continue playing her iconic role as Jones. Mail Online reports that filming for the new movie is set to begin in May 2024, in London.
“Bridget is back and is about to take over London. Filming is being mapped out already and all of the pre- production is in place,” a source told the publication. “There was some uncertainty about whether it would get off the ground, but the movie is coming.”
In April 2024 it was confirmed that Bridget Jones 4 will be called Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, following the plot of the 2014 novel, where the now 51-year-old journalist navigates dating in the modern day app-based landscape.
When Will The Fourth Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy Be Released?
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is expected to hit cinemas in Australia on February 13, just in time for Valentine’s Day viewing with your closest girlfriends.
Is There A Trailer For Bridget Jones’ Fourth Film?
The first trailer for Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy has finally dropped and it looks like Bridget hasn’t changed a bit. It also clears up fans’ burning questions about Colin Firth’s involvement in the film as well as his character, Mr Darcy’s fate. Watch the full clip below.
What Has Happened In The Bridget Jones Movie Franchise So Far?
In case you’ve somehow managed to miss the mania of the first three Bridget Jones movies, allow us to fill you in.
The first film, Bridget Jones’ Diary, saw Bridget’s heart strings tugged by the stiff, shy barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), and her charming yet arrogant boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Of course, nice guys finish first in this cinematic universe, and Mark wins Bridget’s heart by the end of the film.
In the second film, Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason, Bridget’s head is briefly turned after running into Daniel while travelling to Thailand. But despite a brief affair with her former flame, Bridget ends up in Mark’s arms, and the film ends with the pair finally getting married.
During the third film, Bridget Jones’ Baby, we are met with a recently-divorced Bridget, and a new love interest: American billionaire Jack (Patrick Dempsey). After meeting at Glastonbury Festival, Bridget discovers she is pregnant, and with the paternity of the unborn child unknown, Jack and Mark battle it out to win Bridget’s heart. Also important to note, Daniel Cleaver is presumed dead throughout most of the third film. At the end of the film, however, we discover that he has been found alive, perhaps opening the door for Hugh Grant to reprise his role as the dangerously charming dirt bag in the fourth instalment?
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
