After almost 10 years away, the Bridget Jones’ Diary saga is officially set to return with Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant onboard.
What’s more, there’s exciting new additions to the cast in the shape of One Day star Leo Woodall and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor – even if we may currently be mourning the absence of other major cast members…
The film has also officially been titled Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, the same as the novel released by Helen Fielding back in 2013.
Bridget Jones’ Diary first graced screens back in 2001, following the story of singleton Bridget (Zellweger) as she navigated romance, friendship, and later motherhood in 21st century Britain.
First sequel Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason followed up in 2004, but it was another 12 years until Bridget Jones’ Baby came along in 2016.
Now, eight years later, and we’re looking forward to a fourth cinematic outing – although it’s not set for release until next year.
But to tide us over until then, what do we know so far about the cast, including new star Leo Woodall?
Who is in the Bridget Jones 4 cast?
Bridget Jones 4 will see Renée Zellweger step back into the role for the first time since 2016’s Bridget Jones’ Baby, the third film in the series.
Hugh Grant is also making a welcome return as bad boy Daniel Cleaver, a rival for Bridget’s heart.
In Bridget Jones’ Baby, which Grant skipped, it was initially believed that Daniel had died in a plane crash, with Bridget attending a memorial service for her former boss and lover.
However, at the end of the film, a newspaper headline revealed that Daniel had been found alive following the crash, and now that hint at his future return has paid off.
However, Colin Firth has not been confirmed to play Mark Darcy for the fourth time just yet, Bridget’s husband and awkward but charming love interest across the series.
In the novel of the same name, Bridget is forced to confront life as a widow in her 50s with two children after Mark’s death some years before – but it is not clear whether the movie will follow that storyline.
Emma Thompson is also returning as Dr Rawlings after her entertainingly frank appearance in Bridget Jones’ Baby.
Fans will also be hopeful that the likes of Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Shirley Henderson and Celia Imrie will come back to the Bridget Jones franchise one more time as the main character’s family and friends.
One star from Bridget Jones’ Baby whose future in the franchise is more uncertain is Patrick Dempsey after his character Jack lost to love rival Mark Darcy – Bridget and Mark were married at the end of the third film, with Mark the father of her child.
What is Leo Woodall’s role in Bridget Jones 4?
The White Lotus breakout star Leo Woodall and 12 Years A Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor are both formally onboard for the film as well, although nothing is yet officially known of their characters.
However, if the film does follow the plot of the book, they could both be portraying Bridget’s new love interests.
In Fielding’s novel, Bridget entertains two possible new men: Roxster, a 30-year-old toy boy and her kids’ disapproving (of her) teacher, Mr Wallaker.
No prizes for guessing that Woodall would theoretically be Roxster and Ejiofor, Mr Wallaker.
This remains speculation though, until Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy hits our screens – or at least the first trailer does.
Considering how well Woodall broke hearts as the lovable but flawed Dexter in One Day with Ambika Mod though, he’s absolutely got the charm and chops to pull off the part of Roxster.
What do we know about Bridget Jones 4 so far?
Bridget Jones 4 was officially confirmed by author and screenwriter Helen Fielding, who wrote the successful romance novels the series is based on.
She then worked alongside Richard Curtis for Bridget Jones’ Diary and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, before heading the writers’ room for Bridget Jones’ Baby.
She told the Radio Times back in October 2022: ‘I’m working on it and I really hope it will happen. Every film that gets made is a miracle – it’s really difficult to make films happen and to make them good. But I’d love to see it on the screen.’
Now, with the announcement of the cast, she has got her wish, with To Leslie filmmaker Michael Morris directing the movie.
As it’s taken the title of her book, the third in her series, it’s likely the film will have similarities.
However, the Bridget Jones’ Baby film killed off Daniel when in the book he was alive and a contender for the father, so anything could happen.
When is Bridget Jones 4 being filmed and where?
Bridget Jones 4 is expected to begin filming in just a few weeks.
According to MailOnline, shooting is set to commence in London in May, two decades on from when Bridget Jones first arrived on our screens.
This also ties in with the casting announcement having just been announced.
Reports have suggested that Zellweger has been trying to find UK properties to live in so that she can remain in the country while filming.
A source told the publication: ‘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.
‘There was some uncertainty about whether it would get off the ground, but the movie is coming. Renee is excited about bringing Bridget back. She adores the character so much.’
It’s expected that the majority of the film will be shot on location around London, although not much is known about any locations that may be featured in the upcoming movie.
Is there a Bridget Jones 4 release date or trailer?
So far, there are no trailers for Bridget Jones 4 as it’s still in pre-production.
However, we now have an official title, a main cast – and a release date.
It’s also sooner than expected, as based on production schedules for previous Bridget Jones films, it was looking likely that a Christmas 2025 release could be on the cards.
However, we will get Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy much sooner than that, as it’s been announced the movie is slated to be released in cinemas and on Peacock on February 14, 2025.
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy will be released on Peacock in the US and cinemas internationally on February 14, 2024.
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