Renee Zellweger: The Anticipation of the Fourth Bridget Jones Film and the Lessons of Middle Age

With the highly anticipated release of the fourth Bridget Jones film on the horizon, many fans can’t wait to see their beloved character navigate romantic adventures, setbacks, and of course, laugh-until-you-cry moments once again. But, as it turns out, it’s not only the audience who has been waiting for the continuation of this iconic franchise. Inspired by her own life experiences, two-time Oscar winner Renée Zellweger reflects on what middle age has brought to Bridget’s life and shares personal lessons she’s learned herself.

In an interview for C California Style & Culture in the spring of 2025, Renée admits that, despite her successful career and personal achievements, age has taught her to be wiser and more attentive to herself. According to her, Bridget Jones, though still a woman with a somewhat “chaotic” life, has also learned to find harmony and balance between career, love, and personal happiness. “Middle age for Bridget was the time when she finally realized that it’s not just about what’s happening in other people’s lives, but how she feels about herself. That was a pivotal moment for her character,” Renée shares.

Zellweger acknowledges that Bridget’s personal life, which she has portrayed so beautifully on screen, has also helped her rethink her own approach to life. In the past, Renée often struggled with doubts and challenges, much like her character. But now, with experience, she’s more confident and understands that it’s not just about finding the “right person,” but also about learning to appreciate herself.

“Time and age are great teachers,” she says. “I’ve started paying more attention to how I feel, rather than how I think I should act or look. I’ve learned to let go of the ideal I once built in my head. And it was liberating.”

At the same time, Renée acknowledges that continuing the Bridget Jones story has not only brought her creative fulfillment but also a deeper understanding of how important it is to let go of past failures and face the future with courage. She hopes this film will inspire viewers, especially women, to embrace themselves and their decisions, regardless of age.

Renée shares that in the fourth film, her character will appear and think differently than in the previous installments. Bridget has finally stopped striving to be the “perfect” woman for everyone, which becomes an important theme of the film. Now more mature and confident, she still approaches life’s challenges with humor and a positive outlook.

“It’s not going to be a film about how to become perfect,” Renée explains. “It will be a story about how to accept yourself with all your imperfections. And, of course, continue to love, laugh, and appreciate every moment.”

Perhaps the most valuable insights in the interview are the personal lessons Renée has learned in recent years. One of the main themes of her reflections is the importance of balancing personal life and career. As a successful actress, she admits that at one point her life was too focused on work, and she found it difficult to find time for herself. But now Renée understands how important it is to cultivate harmonious relationships with herself and others.

“The most important thing I’ve learned in the last few years is to be more open to life. I no longer worry about the little things, I laugh more, and I enjoy the present moment,” Renée shares.

She is confident that this approach will resonate with Bridget Jones in the new film. A woman who finds happiness not in the search for the perfect partner, but in accepting her life as it is, with all its ups and downs.