The actress says new Bridget Jones statue is “adorable”, noting, “It’s cuter than me.”
Renée Zellweger has described the new statue of Bridget Jones as “adorable”, adding, “I think, she’s far more charming than me.”
Zellweger was speaking as the recently revealed statue celebrating the beloved figure she embodied for over two decades was unveiled in London’s Leicester Square on Monday.
Bridget Jones was introduced in the mid-1990s by writer Helen Fielding, and originally translated for the movies in 2001. The fourth film debuted earlier this year.
Commenting at the ceremony, Fielding did not dismiss writing more, remarking you should “avoid closing doors.”
The star noted that everyone can relate to Bridget, which explains her huge appeal.
“Her vulnerability, her authenticity,” she said. “We see our own reflections in her, we relate in her challenges.
“It makes it OK for the everyone else to be genuinely who we are. Real.”
The persona of Bridget Jones resonated deeply with many women’s hearts, who found solace in her ups and downs.
From her embarrassing work mishaps, to her iconic granny pants, Bridget spoke to a generation who saw themselves in her—and has attracted a whole new set of Gen Z followers too.
The fourth film in the series, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was launched in February, and depicts Bridget living as a solo parent and exploring today’s relationships.
It received varied critiques, but secured the best theatrical launch ever for a romantic comedy in the region, according to industry sources.
The film was billed as the final one in the series—but speaking at the statue unveiling, two superfans, Faye and Wayne, said they were certain there would be a next chapter.
“There were so many things that were not wrapped up at the end of the latest installment,” said Faye.
“Bridget keeps growing. I’d love to be with Bridget Jones all the way to the nursing home,” said Wayne.
When questioned about the possibility of a next installment in Bridget Jones’ saga, Fielding said: “The door is open. Stories emerge as a author. So if a concept was inspired that I thought was true and interesting and original then I would pursue it.”
A few commentators think the floundering and imperfect heroine, who’s preoccupied by her body image and relationship status, is not the ideal example.
And Fielding herself has acknowledged in the past that elements of the series seem less relevant today.
“Bridget Jones’s Diary would not be created now, set now, because all those male coworkers would be sacked,” she said last year. “It was a distinct period.”
But speaking on Monday, she said she aspired the overarching idea of the book would remain relevant for fans.
“In my view, to have the solace of observing a persona that you can identify with, because they are real and human and open, it’s like having the confidante you can be real with,” she said.
The monument is the pioneering to commemorate a love story on the landmark’s Scenes in the Square walk.
The public art exhibition was introduced in recently with the addition of multiple figures showcasing Laurel and Hardy, Mary Poppins, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Don Lockwood, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean and Wonder Woman.
Since then, statues of the wizard hero, the royal chair from Game of Thrones, the beloved dog and Indiana Jones have been included.
