For those who love a good romance film, the Bridget Jones franchise is right up there with the best. As we gear up to watch the fourth installment of the highly successful romcoms, titled Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, there has also been some chatter about the casting (and a disappointing revelation that one of our favorites may not be returning to the big screen.
The film is set for release on Valentine’s Day 2025 (Feb. 14), and stars confirmed to return include Renée Zellweger, Emma Thompson, and Hugh Grant. Fans will notice there is no mention of Colin Firth (who previously played Mark Darcy). While this makes sense, considering his character was cut from the novels by Helen Fielding, on which the movie is based, some feel that he could have been written into the upcoming script, and it would undoubtedly have provided an interesting twist.
“The story they are telling in the fourth Bridget Jones film and, indeed, the teaser at the end of the third film, is about bringing Hugh Grant’s character back onto the story in a big, comedic way,” a source told Life&Style. They also note that Firth is a busy man who has continued to work steadily in Hollywood, so it is not as though he has a shortage of job opportunities. However, the source also alleges that Zellweger has not fought for his return.
Why Did Renée Zellweger Not Fight For Colin Firth’s Return?
But does the actress have the ability to make these types of demands? The source seems to think so. “He certainly could have been written back into the series, but that was not the direction Renée wanted to go, and hers is the most important voice in the room when it comes to how to make these films,” the source claims. “If Renée had put her foot down and said Colin has to be in the movie, they would have figured out a way to include him. But she clearly didn’t, and that hurts.“
Would we love to see Firth returning for another installment of Bridget Jones? Of course, but changing the script to accommodate a character is not Zellweger’s responsibility. Also, wouldn’t this demand be considered diva-like behavior?
