Bridget Jones Statue Unveiled in London; Zellweger Calls It 'Cuter'

A statue of actor Renée Zellweger, best known for her iconic role in the film “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, has been installed in central London, UK. The unveiling ceremony took place at Leicester Square on the same day, where Zellweger was present. Upon seeing the statue that honors the character she portrayed for over two decades, she remarked, “It’s lovely. Much cuter than me.”

“Bridget Jones’s Diary” was first introduced by author Helen Fielding in 1996 and later adapted into a film in 2001. Since then, the franchise has grown to include four installments, with the latest one released earlier this year, capturing the attention of movie fans around the world.

Zellweger shared her thoughts on the character, saying, “Everyone can relate to the protagonist’s vulnerable and human side. That’s the secret to Bridget Jones’s popularity.” She added, “We see ourselves in Bridget as she struggles.” According to her, the character sends a powerful message: “It’s okay to show our true selves, even if we are imperfect.”

The fourth film in the series, titled “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” explores the challenges of modern dating from the perspective of a single mother. BBC reported that while the film received mixed reviews, it achieved the highest box office revenue ever recorded for a romantic comedy in the UK and Ireland.

Although the fourth installment was initially considered the final chapter in the series, Helen Fielding, the original novelist, left the door open for a potential sequel during the unveiling ceremony. She said, “One should never say never.” Fielding expressed her belief that if she could craft a story that is truthful, interesting, and new, she would consider writing it.

Fielding also reflected on the setting of the first film, stating, “The first installment cannot be set in the present. If it were, all the men in the office in the movie would have been fired. It was a different era.” However, she emphasized the importance of the broader message, saying, “I hope the broader message continues to resonate with readers.” She continued, “Being able to relate to a character who is real, human, and emotionally honest is like having a friend you can be honest with.”

Renée Zellweger began her career in 1992 with the TV movie “A Taste for Killing.” Over the years, she has appeared in a wide range of films, including “Jerry Maguire,” “Nurse Betty,” “Me, Myself & Irene,” “Chicago,” and “Cinderella Man.” Her talent has earned her numerous accolades, including the Best Actress award at the 77th Golden Globe Awards and the 92nd Academy Awards for her role in the 2020 film “Judy.”