Hugh Grant Returns to Bridget Jones Saga After Rewriting His Role
Hugh GrantHugh Grant is rekindling his connection with the beloved Bridget Jones series by stepping back into the shoes of his infamous character, Daniel Cleaver, for the fourth installment titled "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy." Scheduled to hit theaters on Valentine's Day 2025, this film marks Grant's return to the franchise after a nearly decade-long hiatus, following his decision not to appear in "Bridget Jones's Baby" in 2016.
In a series of interviews, Grant, now 64, revealed that he was deeply moved by the new script, describing it as "very funny and very, very moving." Despite his enthusiasm, the role of Daniel Cleaver seemed minimal, leading Grant to rewrite parts of the script to better integrate his character into the narrative. "I loved the script — it made me cry," he said. "But really there's no part for Daniel Cleaver in it at all. They wanted him in it, and in the end, they'd done something I wasn't crazy about." Hence, Grant personally crafted several scenes, which were eventually approved and incorporated into the film by director Michael Morris.
This adaptation of Helen Fielding's novel sees Bridget Jones, played by Renée Zellweger, navigating life as a widow in her 50s, raising two children following the tragic death of her husband, Mark Darcy, portrayed by Colin Firth. The plot unfolds as Bridget juggles motherhood, her career, and the complexities of new romantic entanglements, bringing back familiar themes of humor and heartbreak.
Although Grant's contribution to "Mad About the Boy" is described as limited — "I did a week’s work, that's it," he admits — his involvement has already stirred excitement among fans of the franchise. The film reunites Grant with a stellar cast including Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Emma Thompson, and Leo Woodall, who is rumored to play Bridget's new love interest.
Grant's return as Daniel Cleaver, a character once believed to be dead in the franchise's third film, adds an intriguing layer to the story's dynamic. As the film’s release date approaches, anticipation builds not only around Grant's participation but also how the film will adapt the poignant shifts introduced in Fielding's narrative.
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