A star from Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy explains what makes the movie stand out from the first three films. The forthcoming fourth film in the franchise, based on a novel and screenplay by Helen Fielding, follows Renée Zellweger’s тιтular character four years after her husband Mark (Colin Firth) was killed on a humanitarian mission in Sudan, as she’s now pursued by a younger man (Leo Woodall) and her son’s science teacher (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy‘s cast also includes the return of Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver alongside Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, and Isla Fisher.

During an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, Leo Woodall explained what makes Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy stand out from the first three films. The star says the fourth film will retain the “joyous ” and “quirky” tone the movies are known for, while also exploring Bridget’s grief over Mark’s death. Read his full comments below:

A lot of the same, in terms of it having its joyous, funny, quirky Bridget. But this one really also packs a punch because she’s going through grief, and she does it so beautifully. And whilst being a cozy, funny sort of rom-com, it’s also incredibly heartfelt and very moving.

What Leo Woodall’s Comments Mean For Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

The New Movie Will Explore Bridget’s Grief Over Mark

Leo Woodall’s comments suggest that Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy will maintain the тιтular character’s signature quirkiness, which made Bridget a beloved rom-com heroine who redefined the genre with her unique take on life and love. Bridget Jones first captivated audiences in Helen Fielding’s bestselling novel Bridget Jones’s Diary, which became a global phenomenon and a hit film. Over the years, the Bridget Jones movies have become a celebrated part of British pop culture, with Bridget Jones herself being recognized as a British cultural icon.

After overcoming countless obstacles, Bridget finally found happiness in the third movie, marrying Mark Darcy and welcoming a baby boy. However, in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, she finds herself alone once more, having been widowed four years earlier when Mark tragically died on a humanitarian mission in Sudan. Now a single mother, she struggles to move forward, relying on the support of her close friends and even her former flame, Daniel Cleaver. As Woodall suggests, the fourth film should focus on Bridget Jones’ grief as much as it does her romantic misadventures.

Our Take On Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

Can It Strike This Difficult Tonal Balance?

For decades, Bridget Jones has captivated audiences with her endearing quirks, self-deprecating humor, and relatable mishaps, making her one of the most beloved rom-com heroines in history. However, exploring grief is uncharted territory for the film franchise, and it remains to be seen if Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy can strike this difficult tonal balance between joyous and funny, but also heartfelt and moving. If done right, it could add newfound depth to Bridget’s enduring story.