In case you hadn’t heard, Bridget Jones is returning to the big screen in fourth film Mad About the Boy – but new behind the scenes photos have hinted she won’t be returning without breaking our hearts first.
Bridget, played by Renée Zellweger, first came to screens over 20 years ago in the smash era-defining romcom that had us falling head over heels for Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy.
And fans rejoiced when Bridget and Mark tied the knot in 2016’s Bridget Jones’ Baby, but were then left devastated when Hugh Grant confirmed Firth wouldn’t be returning for Mad About the Boy.
That’s because Mark is killed off in the Bridget Jones book that Mad About the Boy is based on, which was written by series author and creator Helen Fielding – leaving Bridget single once again.
Despite apparently being paired up with a ‘toy boy 28 years younger’ than her at some point in the upcoming fourth film in the saga, it looks like we’re going to have to get through a lot of grief and heartache first.
Photos taken from the set of Mad About the Boy appear to reveal that Bridget is still wearing her wedding ring, presumably after Mark’s death – it’s an image that’s sure to leave fans grieving alongside Bridget when the film comes out in 2025.
Mad About the Boy will see Bridget tackle life as a widow and a 51-year-old mum-of-two, and Grant, who played Mark’s love rival Daniel Cleaver, told Entertainment Tonight that he choked up reading the script.
‘It’s based on trying to bring up two children alone, and then [it’s] all mixed up in the Bridget Jones [style] comedy, so it’s very sad, as well as very funny. It has me in tears,’ Grant said.
Cleaver himself was presumed dead at the start of Bridget Jones’ Baby, having apparently died in a plane crash, but a newspaper clipping shown in the closing scene revealed he was still alive.
Despite his return, Grant has said he’s not going to feature as much in Mad About the Boy as fans might want: ‘I don’t do much now, I’ve just got a few scenes.’
Just like the other three films in the franchise, Helen Fielding will be writing the script, this time with help from Borat co-writer Dan Mazer and Brick Lane writer Abi Morgan.
In front of the camera, Dame Emma Thompson, who wrote and starred in Bridget Jones’ Baby, has confirmed she’ll be returning as Dr. Rawlings, while 12 Years a Slave and Love, Actually actor Chiwetel Ejiofor and One Day star Leo Woodall will also star.
The first Bridget Jones film has become a Christmas classic in many British households after grossing $282million (£200million) at the global box office ($497m, £396m, adjusted for inflation in 2024).
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Stars rally against Apple’s ‘dystopian’ new advert for iPad Pro after extreme backlash
MORE : Classic British insults like ‘plonker’ are at risk of going extinct
MORE : 00s icon LeAnn Rimes reclaims her lost youth at London’s O2 Arena
