24 years later: Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant reunite at the premiere of the sequel to `Bridget Jones`s Diary`

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They met in Paris. Both in elegant suits posed for cameras on the red carpet. They look as if it has been barely more than twenty years since the first part of the franchise was released. Almost in the same outfits as at the premiere of the debut film. No, we’re not crying, just nostalgia got into our eyes!

Yes, a lot of time has passed since then. Hugh is now 64, and Renée is 55. But they both shine: both are happy, with youth in their eyes. And you can't take away their charm.
Actors Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant, known for the 'Bridget Jones's Diary' franchise
Actors Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant, known for the 'Bridget Jones's Diary' franchise

What Awaits Us in the Sequel

In the new installment, "Mad About the Boy," the actors will return to their characters. According to the plot, Bridget is now a widow, raising her children alone. The journalist is trying to date someone, and something is developing again with Grant's character, Daniel Cleaver. Cleaver, by the way, did not die in the plane crash as reported in the previous film.

Life Beyond the Screen

Renée and Hugh are close not only in movies. They are good friends in real life. Recently, Grant even personally interviewed his project partner for "Vogue." One phrase caught our attention at zoomboola.com. Hugh asked her why she wants to play Bridget Jones again, for the fourth time. Zellweger replied simply and sincerely: "I love her. And her story isn't over. As long as Helen Fielding [the author of the books] writes, Bridget is alive."

In these words, in our opinion, lies the essence of "Bridget Jones." It's not just a comedy. It's a story about a lively, real woman, who struggles with her flaws, seeks love, and finds her place in the world.
Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant
Actors Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant at the premiere of the first part of 'Bridget Jones's Diary' and at the premiere of the fourth
The director of the new part, Michael Morris (known for "House of Cards"), also loves the on-screen heroine. And he adores the actress who played her even more. He says she is incredibly generous, open, modest, and the liveliest person he has ever worked with. That's why, he says, the Bridget movies live on for so long, reports "Hollywood Reporter." He also added that Zellweger fits the role perfectly. Well, for now, we can only judge by the first three parts. What will happen in the fourth—we'll find out only next month this year. The film hits global theaters on February 12, and digitally on the 14th.

Success Spanning a Quarter Century

The sequel promises to be profitable. The franchise itself began back in 2001, and the first film grossed over $280 million worldwide. The second, in 2004, earned slightly less—around $260 million. The third, released in 2016, made nearly $212 million. Interestingly, each film cost no more than $40 million to make. It's great when you can create something worthwhile for such relatively small amounts. This once again proves that huge budgets aren't always necessary to make a cult movie.

The character Bridget Jones, a working journalist, also became iconic. Even critics, like Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian, acknowledged her cultural impact. Bradshaw wrote in his article that Bridget occupied an important place in media history, "spawning a billion imitators in books and newspapers."
Trailer for the Fourth Part of 'Bridget Jones's Diary'
Personally, we will definitely be watching it. The first films have already become iconic. Remember how everyone cried over her diary and laughed at those terribly awkward situations? We hope to laugh even more this time.