Latest news with #BridgetJones


Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
I'll only watch Netflix's Pride and Prejudice remake on one condition
I hate to say it but not even Olivia Colman can tempt me to feel excited about another rehash of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. We already have two beloved adaptations, so I can't think of anything more dull than another basic remake — no matter how many Oscar winners Netflix casts. However, if this six-part series must go ahead, there is one adaptation that I am begging Dolly Alderton, the writer, to take inspiration from: Bridget Jones. Go modern and reinvent the story. The iconic 00s film was so undeniably brilliant that most of us forget it is loosely based on Pride and Prejudice, even if Mr Darcy's name remained unchanged. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. And Bridget Jones wasn't a fluke, either. Clueless is another beloved Austen modernisation, meanwhile, Shakespeare got an overhaul in 10 Things I Hate About You, She's The Man, and Anyone But You. Some of the most high-regarded rom-coms are these types of contemporary reimaginings, and romance fans have been screaming for more of these twists on classics. However, studios stubbornly stick to churning out known IPs in an attempt to manufacture an assured hit. Classic novels appear to be the flavour of Hollywood right now, with Greta Gerwig's upcoming Wuthering Heights already taking a beating from fans. The last time Netflix decided to take on Jane Austen, we ended up with 2022's Persuasion, which sits at an embarrassingly low 30% on Rotten Tomatoes. Attempting to modernise without going all in was the fatal flaw for this film. It missed the full-blown modern pull while ditching the period charm of 2020's Emma or the older Pride and Prejudice adaptations. And these Pride and Prejudices did it so well. Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen deftly navigated the dance of Elizabeth and Darcy in 2005, scoring Academy Award nominations in multiple categories. Then there's the Colin Firth 1995 TV version, which again landed BAFTA nominations and a place in all romance-lovers' hearts. With such an impressive legacy, there's no way this new series can be better than those classics, so it must be decidedly different. Transforming Pride and Prejudice into something new is the only way to save this new series from a painful reboot fate. Alas, the first pictures of the cast all dressed in traditional period garb hasn't given me hope. I was initially optimistic after the cast announcement, when Netflix revealed Emma Corrin will star as Elizabeth Bennett. Even if they don't go modern, I hope they shake things up somehow. Casting a non-binary actor could open doors to play with the expectations and give us something truly exciting. More Trending In more conventional choices, Mr Darcy will be played by Slow Horses' Jack Lowden, while powerhouse Olivia Colman is Mrs Bennett. I'm not holding my breath for a Bridget Jones-level departure from the novel, but I have faith in Dolly to bring something ( anything ) creative to the table. This article was originally published April 12, 2025. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Peaky Blinders legend finally sets record straight over Netflix film rumours MORE: 'Brutal' film based on harrowing true story finally comes to Netflix MORE: Mind-bending' TV drama that had fans calling in sick races up Netflix chart


The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Canal+ flags smaller line-up of films in 2025 but hails Paddington hit
French media giant Canal+ said fewer big films released in 2025 helped drag on sales for its studio arm, despite the success of blockbusters like Paddington In Peru and Bridget Jones. The company, which launched its shares on the London Stock Exchange last year, reported group revenues of 3.1 billion euros (£2.7 billion) for the first half of 2025. This was down 3.3% on the same period a year ago, driven by contracts coming to an end, including with Disney in France and the Uefa Champions League, it said. For the group's film and TV production business, which includes StudioCanal, revenues dipped by about 3% year on year. This was mainly because of a smaller line-up of films sold internationally over the first half of 2025, compared with 2024, which included the releases of Back To Black and Wicked Little Letters. But the impact of fewer releases was partly offset by the success of major films including Paddington In Peru, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, and We Live In Time. Canal+ said there had been 'record viewership' in cinema, series and live sports events across its regions over the period. The company floated on the London Stock Exchange in December in one of the biggest new listings for the City in several years. The decision for Paris-based Canal+ to list in London was hailed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves as a 'vote of confidence' in the UK's stock market. The company had 25.7 million subscribers at the end of June – about 1.2% fewer than it had the same time last year. It has been eyeing cost reductions across Europe which it hopes will boost profits. Maxime Saada, chief executive of Canal+, said: 'I am pleased with all we have accomplished at Canal+ since our listing. 'Our strategy of bringing our in-house content together with content from the world's best studios, sports competitions and streaming platforms, and super-aggregating it all on our enhanced Canal+ app for the benefit of our customers, provides us with a unique value proposition.'


NZ Herald
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Jamie Lee Curtis suffers backlash after interrupting awards show hosts
Jamie Lee Curtis appeared to be genuinely telling off the hosts of an awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Photo / Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. Jamie Lee Curtis appeared to be genuinely telling off the hosts of an awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Photo / Hollywood actor Jamie Lee Curtis is copping a backlash online for her strange outburst on the red carpet at a recent awards show – seemingly unaware that she was dressing down her hosts for the evening. Curtis was a guest at the recent Las Culturistas Culture Awards at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. The tongue-in-cheek pop culture-themed awards (some sample categories: the Woman of a Certain Age Award and Best Title for the Next Bridget Jones) are the brainchild of comedians and podcasters Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. The pair were on the red carpet outside the Orpheum, answering some questions for media outlet Vulture, which had asked them to recite some iconic movie lines into the camera. Saturday Night Live star Yang was giving it his best Julia Roberts as Erin Brokovich, delivering the line 'I'm not talkin' to you, b****!', when suddenly Curtis appeared beside them, interrupting the vox pop and looking agitated. 'We're quoting Julia Roberts,' Rogers explained, perhaps worried Curtis had thought that particular quote was directed at her.


Toronto Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Pro-Palestinian protest prompts scuffle onstage at Royal Opera House in London
Published Jul 20, 2025 • 1 minute read A general view of the recently completed Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden, Wednesday November 24,1999. Photo by Bridget Jones / AP Photo LONDON (AP) — A performer holding a Palestinian flag touched off a brief scuffle on stage at the Royal Opera House in London as cast members were taking their bows following the season's final performance of 'Il Trovatore.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Images posted on social media show what appears to be a member of the chorus holding the unfurled flag in front of his chest while the lead singers bask in the audience's applause on Saturday night. After a few moments, someone backstage tries to grab the flag, but the performer holds onto it and snaps back into place. 'The display of the flag was an unauthorized action by the artist,' the opera company said in a statement on Sunday. 'It was not approved by the Royal Ballet and Opera and is a wholly inappropriate act.' The opera company declined to comment when asked whether the performer would face any disciplinary action. 'Il Trovatore,' which translates as 'The Troubadour,' is an 1853 opera by the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Director Adele Thomas' production reinterprets the story of desire and an all-consuming curse, the opera said. Editorial Cartoons Relationships World Tennis Toronto & GTA


Telegraph
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Bridget Jones producer bounces back from Hollywood strikes
The British production company behind the Bridget Jones films has enjoyed a rebound in profits after being hit by the Hollywood strikes. Working Title Films, which is behind a string of classics including Notting Hill, Love Actually and Shaun of the Dead, reported a 10pc increase in pre-tax profits to £584,000 in 2024. It marked the production company's most profitable year since 2016 and a rebound from 2023, when it was hit by an industry-wide shutdown in filming during the US actors' and writers' strikes. Revenues dipped slightly from £13m to £12.4m. Bosses said they had prioritised development during the strikes to ensure the company had a strong slate of films ready to go once the industry was back up and running. Working Title's successes last year included Blitz, a World War Two drama directed by Steve McQueen, and The Substance, a body horror featuring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley that was nominated for five Oscars. The company will be hoping for a major boost this year from Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, the fourth instalment in the popular series. The film smashed box office records on its release in February, securing the highest-ever opening weekend for a UK romcom. Working Title said it had 49 active projects in development at the end of last year. The company last month announced a new adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility starring Normal People actress Daisy Edgar-Jones. Working Title was founded in 1984 and gained its first commission from the newly-created Channel 4 to make My Beautiful Laundrette, a comedy drama featuring Daniel Day-Lewis that told the story of a gay romance between a Pakistani Briton and an English punk. Since 1992, the studio has been co-chaired by film industry stalwarts Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. Its parent company is NBCUniversal, the Hollywood giant owned by US media conglomerate Comcast. Working Title, which is headquartered in London's Marylebone, has produced more than 100 films that have grossed at least $7.5bn (£5.6) worldwide. Its films have collected 14 Oscars and 40 Baftas, as well as a host of other awards. Mr Fellner is among a number of high-profile figures from the creative industry who have opposed the Government's plans to let tech firms train their AI models on British content without a creator's permission unless the rights holder explicitly opts out. He told the Financial Times earlier this year that the move posed an 'existential threat' to film studios. The AI bill finally passed last month after lengthy wrangling in the House of Lords. In addition to its studio operations, Working Title also backs the London Screen Academy, a sixth form college in Islington offering training to young people aiming to enter the film and TV industries. In 2023, Mr Bevan and Mr Fellner struck a deal alongside composer Hans Zimmer to buy the BBC's historic Maida Vale Studios and turn it into a school for musicians.