Renée Zellweger and ‘Bridget Jones’ Cast Celebrate Statue Unveiling in Leicester Square
London – Renée Zellweger was joined by co-stars Leo Woodall and Chiwetel Ejiofor, as well as author Helen Fielding, for the unveiling of a statue honoring her iconic character, Bridget Jones, in Leicester Square on Monday. The life-size bronze sculpture depicts Bridget clutching her diary and pen, a nod to the character’s introspective and relatable journey. Zellweger remarked to BBC News, “I think she’s much cuter than me,” about the statue.
The unveiling celebrates the enduring legacy of the Bridget jones franchise, which began with Fielding’s novels and continued with a series of highly successful films. Mad About the Boy, the fourth installment released on Peacock in February, achieved the best box office opening for a romantic comedy in the U.K. and Ireland, according to Global data. The character of Bridget Jones has resonated with audiences, particularly in Britain, where she’s become a cultural touchstone representing the experiences of women navigating life’s challenges.
The films, also starring Colin Firth and Hugh Grant as love interests Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver, follow Bridget through her 30s, 40s, and 50s as she confronts personal and professional obstacles. Woodall and Ejiofor joined the cast as new romantic interests in Mad About the Boy. Zellweger has expressed a deep connection to the role, stating to The Hollywood Reporter, “I don’t think I’ll ever let go of Bridget…I have conversations about Bridget Jones pretty much every day.” She added, “She feels very familiar to me.”
The statue is part of Leicester Square’s Scenes in the Square trail, marking the first time a romantic comedy has been honored with a sculpture.Other figures featured on the trail include Paddington Bear, Mr. Bean, Harry Potter, and the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.