Latest news with #MadAboutTheBoy
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Bridget Jones' star Renée Zellweger's emotional admission: ‘I didn't want Mark Darcy to go away'
For more than two decades, Renée Zellweger was Bridget Jones. And now, as she hangs up the diary in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, she's doing it with both laughter and tears. "I love this character,' Zellweger proclaimed during a recent FYC screening event for the film. 'I love her vulnerability, and I love to find spaces where she's just not quite feeling that she measures up, and the opportunity to meet her again in different stages of her life and to learn how she's different.' More from GoldDerby 'It's in my contract that I have great clothes, funny lines, and a lover': Christine Baranski on her surging career in her 70s 'One of the things that made it so special was that it wasn't for everyone': 'The Leftovers' EPs and cast on the show's legacy 'The Gilded Age' cast on what to expect in Season 3: feuding sisters, robber barons and a wedding? The fourth and final installment of the beloved franchise — which was streamed in the U.S. on Peacock and is in Emmy contention in categories including Outstanding Television Movie, lead actress for Zellweger, and directing for Michael Morris — offers something fans have never seen before: Bridget not only older and wiser, but grieving, growing, and still full of hope. Morris had one hope when introducing the film to the audience inside Ted Mann Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. 'I hope it immerses you in her world,' the filmmaker said before the screening. 'I hope it brings you whatever feelings it brings you.' For Morris — a London native who remembers exactly where he was when that first movie came out — this fourth and final chapter in Bridget's story was more than a conclusion. It was a celebration, a meditation on love and loss, and, in his words, 'a joy to work on.' Peacock Taking the stage to join Morris for a panel after the screening, Zellweger — who has played the charmingly chaotic Bridget for just about 25 years — is finally ready, although a bit reluctantly, to let her go. The two-time Oscar winner shared a moment that made her particularly emotional on set. It was the final time she saw Colin Firth dressed as Mark Darcy. "It just got me. I didn't expect to be so emotional about the end of this shared journey with my friend ... the finality of it just really was a gut punch. ... It sounds so silly, but it felt very profound in the moment," she chuckled. "Maybe I'm crazy because maybe I love a fictional character," she said, "I didn't want Mark Darcy to go away." Zellweger also gushed over her other longtime costar, Hugh Grant. As lovable lothario Daniel Cleaver, Grant had the role before the actress even signed on as Bridget Jones. Zellweger remembers meeting him for the first time as a "fangirl," saying the chemistry was instant. She was living in a dormitory on top of a theater in Austin when she first saw Grant — on screen. "I would sneak down there and watch all of the animation festivals that would come through," she recalled. 'And here's this guy playing Chopin ... in Impromptu." She thought he was handsome. "When I heard he was in this Bridget Jones film that I was going to go and do in England. ... I think I had a heart attack.' After losing Mark Darcy, some might have entertained the thought, but Grant's rakish Daniel Cleaver was never supposed to be Bridget's endgame. However, in a roundabout way, Mad About the Boy throws fans a curveball. 'Of course, she couldn't have ended up with Daniel," Morris pointed out when posed with the question. "But she sort of did. Because he became part of her family." Photo By: Jay Maidment/Universal Pictures With Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver out of the romantic picture, this opened the door for new potential love interests, which author Helen Fielding explored by introducing the younger Roxster (Leo Woodall) and the more age-appropriate Mr. Walliker (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Morris knew exactly what he wanted in these characters and who he wanted to cast. 'I was absolutely laser-focused on trying to get Leo and Chiwetel into the film,' he says. The thoughtful casting process carried into Bridget and Mark's children, Billy (Casper Knopf) and Mabel (Mila Jankovic), whom Morris championed out of thousands. In fact, one of his favorite scenes is when Bridget and her children are about to release the balloons in Mark's honor. "The scene could be a terribly sad moment," the director noted. But in an unrehearsed glance between Renée and Mabel, a smile turned an act of grief into a display of love. Zellweger recalled her favorite scene as the one with the lip plumper. "I had the best time trying not to laugh … and watching (an unsuspecting) Emma Thompson's face," she said. The fourth installment is a more somber and reflective entry in Bridget's saga. Zellweger describes it as 'the most intimate' of the series, noting that Fielding drew on personal experiences to guide the story. Since 2001, Bridget Jones has matured as a mother, as a woman re-entering the workforce, as a widow, but she hasn't lost her essence, an aspect that continued to intrigue Zellweger as she factored in how life has impacted Bridget. Photo by Daniel Kroll/'How has she changed and grown? How are her values different? How are her choices different?" she mused. "I'm sure everybody feels that they see a lot of themselves in this character. I think the profound gift is that she taps into those things that we all recognize in ourselves, our humanity and feeling not enough, or our fears and all of that." Morris says he struggles to find other examples of where we've taken one character through something like this over two decades. "Occasionally, there were sequels," Morris said, "but this is a franchise set around a real woman. … She's actually just a person living her life, and we've known her for 25 years. That's a real privilege to work on something like that." For the director, it's that duality — joy and heartbreak, comedy and humanity — that defines the Bridget Jones films. His take is both visually and emotionally different from its predecessors. It evolves cinematically. It looks and feels different because Bridget is different. 'I think there's a life that [Renée] brings, and there's a joy that is there, even when her world is falling apart, and she's a fabulous catastrophe," Morris said, "but even when it's falling apart, we just lean right in, because there's so much optimism in the way that [she] brought Bridget to us." Filled with drama, humor, and Easter eggs, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy serves as a fitting sendoff for the franchise. Even the last bit of filming, Zellweger said felt like a farewell party. "I loved the dancing in the garden,' she said. 'It was one of our last days filming. And setting up as you guys saw, standing off the side for a little while and watching everybody dancing on that floor under the disco ball in that glorious garden. ... I can't think of a better way to wrap up the experience than to watch the joy because that was real with all our friends out there, with the music blasting under the stars. That was very special." Best of GoldDerby Liam Neeson movies: 12 greatest films ranked worst to best Paul Giamatti movies: 16 greatest films ranked worst to best Tony Curtis movies: 15 greatest films ranked worst to best Click here to read the full article.
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
'I'm an interiors expert - clutter is back in and here's why I'm obsessed'
Earthy tones and minimalism have been on trend for years, but an interiors expert has revealed why a cluttered-looking home is coming into fashion and why she's obsessed with the concept Move aside minimalist homes, maximalist decor is the way to go embrace clutter Inspired by the 'cluttercore' of Bridget Jones' Victorian townhouse in Mad About The Boy? Then read on to find out how to make the most of the 'intentional clutter' look in your own home, in five simple, budget-friendly steps. Curate your clutter The concept of 'intentional clutter' is gaining popularity with people keen to display more of their own personalities – and 'stuff' – in their homes, while still keeping them stylish. In fact, online searches in the UK for maximalist decor have skyrocketed by 120% over the past year. Charlotte Ford, Marketing Director at Ruggable, explains, 'Intentional clutter is about curating, not hoarding. 'Avoid keeping items just for aesthetics and instead, showcase books you love, meaningful trinkets and souvenirs that spark joy.' Keep colou Charlotte says, 'If your trinkets, books and art are mismatched, try to keep the other colours in your space as harmonious as possible. Choose a colour palette that complements the mood and vibe you want to create.' Earthy tones like terracotta or sage green are a good option, alongside mustard and brown tones. They create a relaxing backdrop while allowing your accessories to shine through. Harness plant power Studies show plants, such as the ever-popular palm, can help boost productivity and mood, which is great if you work from home. 'Having pockets of nature in your home can bring about relaxation and add an organic energy,' Charlotte continues. 'To maximise that 'curated clutter' feel, opt for trailing ivy and towering monstera plants that will hang and wind around furniture. 'Hanging plants are also a good option because they draw the eye upward, helping to shift focus away from clutter on the floor. This makes the room feel less chaotic and more organised, even in a busy space.' Turn treasures into art Art can really bring a home to life, so why not showcase postcards, ornaments and paintings like your very own mini art exhibition? Experiment with colours and textures, like placing a postcard in an antique frame with a colourful backdrop, arranging your favourite books on a coffee table or dotting knick-knacks around shelves for an eclectic yet personal feel. Using items we already own is a more sustainable option than buying new things, and they're a talking point. Incorporate vintage pieces Vintage, second-hand pieces are an integral part of the intentional clutter trend. Charlotte adds, 'These pieces could've been passed down through generations or be something you have picked up and connected with. This is important because not everything in your home will match. 'Interiors are moving towards personalised spaces, with less focus on plain walls and generic artwork. Many are now gravitating towards homes that embrace lived-in mess and personal memorabilia.' Vintage rugs, especially colourful ones, are a great place to start as they are the focal point of a room. Then look for trinkets that clash with the colours that you can see.
Tatler Asia
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
The rom-com revival: 7 new romantic comedies that channel '90s and 2000s classics
'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' The fourth and final Bridget Jones movie finds everyone's favourite London gal (Renée Zellweger) dipping her toe back into the dating pool after spending years being a smug married woman. Now a widow and a single mother, she finds herself tentatively navigating Tinder and age-gap relationships. She does so in true Bridget fashion and with the trademark humour audiences have come to expect. But what might take fans by surprise is the depth with which the movie explores grief and loss, too. Yes, there's plenty of romance and laughs, but there's also plenty of tears and heartbreak. See also: 'Mad About The Boy': Why Bridget Jones will always be relatable, even when life stops being a rom-com 'Set It Up' Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell star as Harper Moore and Charlie Young, two frazzled assistants to demanding, high-power executives, Kirsten Stevens (Lucy Liu) and Rick Otis (Taye Diggs). Desperate for some relief, they hatch a plan to, as Charlie puts it, ' Parent Trap ' their bosses. The assistants set them up and hope they fall in love to finally get their own time back. But things take an unexpected turn when Charlie and Harper end up falling for each other in the process. If people are looking for the next generation of rom-com stars, they need look no further than Deutch and Powell. They have the charm to take on romantic roles, the comedic timing to land the laughs and the sensibility needed to sell a romantic comedy to an audience. 'A Family Affair' In this Netflix age-gap romantic comedy, Zara Ford's (Joey King) life is turned upside-down when her widowed, award-winning author mom, Brooke Harwood (Nicole Kidman), falls for her vapid Hollywood action star boss, Chris Cole (Zac Efron). The movie is a cross between Nancy Meyers (see: Brooke's swoon-worthy home and that supermarket finale) and the Hallmark Channel (hello, Christmas at the family cabin). And although it captures the charm of both, it asks viewers to suspend disbelief—and then some. However, Kidman and Efron's warm and easy rapport still manages to sell the unlikely romance. See also: Dolly de Leon joins Nicole Kidman in 'Nine Perfect Strangers' season 2 'The Lost City' Sandra Bullock, poster child for '90s and 2000s rom-coms, delivers once again in The Lost City . Here, she plays Loretta Sage, a socially awkward romance novelist, opposite Channing Tatum as her hilariously dense cover model, Alan. A run-in with an eccentric billionaire played by Daniel Radcliffe takes them on a wild treasure hunt deep in the jungle, where hijinks ensue and romance blossoms. The movie works thanks to Bullock's sharp comedic instincts and her chemistry with Tatum. It's brimming with zany wit and charm, and features a scene-stealing cameo from Bullock's pal and Bullet Train co-star Brad Pitt. 'Hit Man' It's beginning to look like Glen Powell is shaping up to be what Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock were to rom-coms in the '90s and early aughts. In this Richard Linklater-directed romcom-slash-crime caper, he stars as a philosophy professor who moonlights as a fake hitman for police sting operations. He shares the screen with Adria Arjona, who quickly goes from suspect to love interest. On top of Linklater's witty dialogue and sharp humour, Powell and Arjona bring insane chemistry and deliver strong performances that merge screwball and sexy to create something fresh and unique. 'The Fall Guy' David Leitch, director of John Wick , Deadpool 2 and Bullet Train , ventures into rom-com territory with The Fall Guy . The film follows retired stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), who returns to work on the set of a big-budget action movie his ex, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), is directing, all in a bid to win her back. It's double the charisma and star power with Gosling and Blunt, who share exceptional romantic and comedic chemistry. There's a lot of high-octane action, but at the heart of the movie is the love story between Colt and Jody. NOW READ What is rom-com core and how is it influencing fashion? Rom-com bucketlist? 6 resorts where romantic comedies were filmed Give in to Your Guilty Pleasure: 11 K-Drama Rom Coms That Will Make You Swoon
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Where Have You Seen The Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy Cast Before?
The fourth and final instalment in the Bridget Jones story is off to a flying start following its release just over a week ago. After receiving glowing reviews, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy had the highest-grossing opening weekend for a rom-com in the UK and Ireland ever, breaking a record previously held by film number two, The Edge Of Reason (making it even more bizarre that the film went straight to streaming across the pond). Mad About The Boy brings back a host of former cast members from the first three films, including Colin Firth and Hugh Grant as Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver, Jemma Jones and Jim Broadbent as Bridget's parents, Emma Thompson as her gynaecologist-turned-confidante and, of course, Renée Zellweger as the titular heroine. But the film also introduces us to some exciting new additions, including love interests, rivals, colleagues and neighbours. So, here's our quick guide to where you've seen Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy's new cast members before… Leo Woodall has skyrocketed to global fame in the last few years thanks to his performances in award-winning shows like The White Lotus and Netflix's One Day. He can currently be seen in the Apple TV+ thriller Prime Target playing an expert mathematician, and has also had smaller roles in Cherry, Vampire Academy, Citadel and, naturally, Holby City. As well as his Oscar-nominated performance in the hard-hitting drama 12 Years A Slave, British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor's CV includes appearances in the films Kinky Boots, Love Actually, Children Of Men, Doctor Strange and the remake of The Lion King, lending his voice to the villainous Scar. He's also an established theatre performer, winning an Olivier in 2008 for his work in a revival of Shakespeare's Othello. At just 12 years old, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy makes Casper's biggest project to date. However, he did previously tread the boards alongside David Tennant and Cush Jumbo in a production of Macbeth, which was recorded and shown as a special in 2025. Meanwhile, Casper's on-screen sister, eight-year-old Mila Jankovic, makes her on-screen debut as Bridget Jones' daughter, Mabel. Fans of The Last Of Us might remember Nico Parker for her performance as Sarah Miller in season one, but her other major credits include the US drama The Third Day and Tim Burton's remake of Disney's Dumbo. In 2021, she also appeared alongside her mum Thandiwe Newton in the thriller Reminiscence. Sci-fi fans may well recognise Josette Simons thanks to her performance as Dayna Mellanby in the cult series Blake's 7, a role she played during its third and fourth season. Since then, she's appeared in Broadchurch, The Witcher and Steve McQueen's Small Axe as well as films like Wonder Woman and Detective Pikachu. In 2000, she received an OBE for services to drama, and was nominated for an Olivier Award in 1991 for her work in the play After The Fall. Leila Farzad was nominated for a Bafta in 2021 for her performance in the dark comedy I Hate Suzie, playing the manager and friend of Billie Piper's character. More recently, you might have also seen her in the Black Mirror episode Joan Is Awful, the superhero movie The Marvels or Netflix's ambitious 2024 series Kaos, in which she played a modernised version of Ariadne. Elena is one of the first actors we see in the new Bridget Jones movie, playing the latest squeeze of Hugh Grant's character. Although she doesn't have many credits to her name just yet, she did play the lead in Amazon Prime's I Bring Joy last year. Isla Fisher makes something of a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo early on in the film as Bridget Jones' new neighbour, Rebecca. The Australian actor is known for her roles in films like Wedding Crashers, Confessions Of A Shopaholic, The Great Gatsby and Bachelorette. Her TV work has also included the Netflix reboot of Arrested Development, the comedy-drama Wolf Like Me, which she also executive produces, and the long-running Australian soap Home And Away. In the final scene of Mad About The Boy, we're introduced to Daniel Cleaver's estranged son Enzo, played by Italian actor and social media star Alessandro Bedetti. The 22-year-old has also appeared in Those About To Die and the Italian projects Nudes and Hai Mai Avuto Paura?, as well as a 2022 Tedx Talk about the rise of TikTok. Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is in UK cinemas now. Bridget Jones Director Clears Up The 1 Big Mystery That Mad About The Boy Left Us With Renée Zellweger Makes Honest Admission About Reuniting With 'Grumbler In Chief' Hugh Grant Bridget Jones Writer Gives Intriguing Response To Rumours Mark Darcy Is Based On Keir Starmer
The Independent
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Renee Zellweger recalls how Colin Firth made her cry on first day filming new Bridget Jones movie
Renee Zellweger has recalled how her Bridget Jones co-star Colin Firth made her cry on first day filming their new film, Mad About The Boy. The much-anticipated fourth film in the Bridget franchise hit cinemas in the UK on Thursday (13 February), and sees everyone's favourite heroine navigating life following the death of her husband, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, the Bridget actor revealed she felt very emotional returning to the set to film with Firth. She said: 'There was Colin was standing there in all his Mark Darcy, with his little suitcase, I started welling up.'
