The actress says freshly unveiled Bridget Jones statue is “adorable”, adding, “It’s more charming than me.”
The Oscar-winning actress has described the new statue of Bridget Jones as “adorable”, adding, “I think, it’s far more charming than me.”
Zellweger was speaking as the recently revealed statue commemorating the beloved figure she played for many years was uncovered in the heart of the city on Monday.
Bridget Jones was first imagined in the mid-1990s by author Helen Fielding, and originally translated for the movies in 2001. The newest movie came out earlier this year.
Commenting at the reveal, Fielding did not dismiss taking her story further, saying you should “avoid closing doors.”
Zellweger explained that everyone can relate to Bridget, which highlights her massive popularity.
“It’s her openness, her humanness,” she said. “We see our own reflections in her, we recognise ourselves in her challenges.
“It makes it OK for the everyone else to be genuinely who we are. Imperfect.”
The persona of Bridget Jones resonated deeply with many female hearts, who took comfort in her personal journey.
From her awkward work blunders, to her infamous granny pants, Bridget connected with a demographic who identified in her—and has gained a whole new set of Gen Z followers too.
The fourth film in the series, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was debuted in early this year, and shows Bridget portrayed as a solo parent and facing contemporary romance.
It received divided opinions, but achieved the strongest cinema debut ever for a love story in the region, according to industry sources.
The film was billed as the final one in the series—but reflecting at the ceremony, two dedicated followers, Faye and Wayne, said they were certain there would be a follow-up.
“There are so many things that were left unresolved at the finale of the last film,” said Faye.
“Her character keeps growing. I want to be with Bridget Jones all the way to the retirement home,” added Wayne.
When questioned about the chance of a future story in Bridget Jones’ saga, Fielding said: “The door is open. Ideas come to you as a author. So if a concept appeared that I thought was real and interesting and new then I would develop it.”
Some think the imperfect and imperfect heroine, who’s preoccupied by her appearance and romantic situation, is not the strongest role model.
And Fielding herself has acknowledged in the past that some parts of the story feel dated.
“Bridget Jones’s Diary would be impossible to produce now, placed in modern times, because all those male coworkers would be fired,” she said last year. “That was a distinct period.”
But reflecting on Monday, she said she aspired the wider message of the novel would remain relevant for readers.
“Personally, to have the solace of observing a character that you can relate to, because they are real and flawed and vulnerable, it’s like having the confidante you can be honest with,” she said.
The sculpture is the first to honor a love story on the landmark’s movie trail exhibit.
The Scenes in the Square display originally launched in 2020 with the introduction of eight sculptures including classic duos, Mary Poppins, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Don Lockwood, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean and Wonder Woman.
Since then, statues of Harry Potter, the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, the giant canine and the adventurer have been installed.
