The actress declares new Bridget Jones statue is “sweet”, noting, “It’s cuter than me.”
Renée Zellweger has praised the freshly installed statue of Bridget Jones as “adorable”, remarking, “Personally, she’s much cuter than me.”
Zellweger was speaking as the new statue honoring the character she portrayed for many years was uncovered in the iconic London square on the start of the week.
Bridget Jones was introduced in 1996 by writer Helen Fielding, and originally translated for the cinema in 2001. The latest installment came out this past February.
Commenting at the unveiling, Fielding refused to rule out continuing the series, stating you should “avoid closing doors.”
The star explained that audiences can connect with Bridget, which highlights her huge appeal.
“It’s her vulnerability, her authenticity,” she said. “We identify in her, we relate in her challenges.
“It makes it OK for the everyone else to be truly who we are. Flawed.”
The character of Bridget Jones touched many female hearts, who found solace in her personal journey.
From her awkward work mishaps, to her iconic granny pants, Bridget resonated with a age group who saw themselves in her—and has gained a new generation of younger fans too.
The fourth film in the series, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was debuted in February, and depicts Bridget living as a solo parent and exploring today’s relationships.
It garnered mixed reviews, but achieved the strongest cinema debut ever for a love story in the UK and Ireland, according to industry sources.
The film was billed as the conclusion in the franchise—but speaking at the event, two superfans, Faye and Wayne, said they were sure there would be a follow-up.
“There were so many things that were not wrapped up at the conclusion of the recent movie,” said Faye.
“Her character keeps growing. I hope to be with Bridget Jones all the way to the nursing home,” added Wayne.
When asked about the prospect of a next installment in Bridget Jones’ journey, Fielding said: “Never say never. Inspiration arrive as a author. So if a narrative came to me that I thought was real and engaging and original then I would pursue it.”
Certain critics think the floundering and human lead, who’s obsessed over her appearance and romantic situation, is not the ideal inspiration.
And Fielding herself has acknowledged in the past that some parts of the series feel dated.
“Bridget Jones’s Diary would not be created today, written in this era, because all those male coworkers would be fired,” she said previously. “That was a completely other era.”
But reflecting on the unveiling day, she said she wished the broader theme of the novel would remain relevant for readers.
“I think, to have the reassurance of observing a persona that you can relate to, because they are genuine and human and open, it’s like having the friend you can be real with,” she said.
The monument is the pioneering to honor a romantic comedy on the landmark’s Scenes in the Square exhibit.
The cinema sculpture exhibition was introduced in 2020 with the installation of multiple figures including classic duos, Mary Poppins, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Don Lockwood, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean and Wonder Woman.
Since then, statues of the wizard hero, the iconic seat from Game of Thrones, the beloved dog and Indiana Jones have been included.
