Bridget Jones is back, and ahead of the highly anticipated fourth film Mad About The Boy, lead star Renée Zellweger is addressing a major fan question—what happened to those famous big pants?
In an exclusive interview with news.com.au, Zellweger shared her thoughts on a rumor that has been circulating about the fate of Bridget Jones’s infamous undergarment, first seen in Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001).
“I’ve heard that Hugh Grant [has them],” Zellweger said with a laugh. “I don’t know – we’ll have to investigate.”
The Return of an Iconic Franchise
More than two decades after the beloved first film introduced audiences to Bridget’s chaotic, relatable world, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is set to continue her story. The film, based on Helen Fielding’s bestselling novel of the same name, sees Bridget navigating life as a widow and single mother, struggling to reenter the dating world after the loss of her husband, Mark Darcy (played by Colin Firth).
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Zellweger, now 55, admits she never imagined Bridget’s story would endure for so long.
“You wouldn’t have thought it in 2000 at all – we thought we were entering into something that represented a time, and that would be the end of it,” she said.
However, the charm of Bridget Jones has proven to be timeless. “Revisiting her each time, she’s different – just like in life. That’s part of the magic of the characters Helen created,” Zellweger explained. “And as we go through life, we say, ‘oh yeah, I did that … oh yeah, that dumb thing. Yep, Bridget. Yep, I remember’.”
The Return of Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver
One of the most exciting elements of Mad About The Boy is the return of Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver. After being absent in Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016), Grant’s character makes a significant but brief reappearance in the upcoming film.
Given that Daniel Cleaver was the one who first introduced audiences to Bridget’s “absolutely enormous” underwear in the original movie, the idea that Grant himself may have kept them over the years seems strangely fitting.
While Zellweger didn’t confirm the rumor, she was happy to entertain the possibility. “If anyone would have them, it would be Hugh, wouldn’t it?” she joked.
The dynamic between Bridget and Daniel has evolved dramatically since the first film, but Zellweger assures fans that their chemistry remains intact. “They’ve got that chemistry, they’ve got that spark,” she said. “I still see it. It’s lovely. [But] I love where their relationship has gone, it’s so unexpected.”
A New Love Interest for Bridget
Mad About The Boy also introduces a fresh romance for Bridget. This time, she finds herself entangled with Roxster, a much younger man played by The White Lotus star Leo Woodall.
Woodall, 29, spoke fondly of his experience joining such an iconic franchise. “It’s been incredible stepping into this world,” he said. “Bridget is such a well-loved character, and getting to be part of her journey is a real privilege.”
During their first meeting, Zellweger and Woodall had a hilariously awkward moment—one that could have been lifted straight from a Bridget Jones film.
“We hugged, and my headset got stuck in Helen [Fielding]’s hair,” Zellweger recalled. Woodall laughed, adding, “I looked at it going, ‘Wow, a real Bridget moment. Bridget-squared.’”
The Legacy of Bridget Jones
Zellweger attributes the franchise’s lasting popularity to its authenticity.
“We see ourselves in her imperfection and authenticity and her humanity,” she said. “Helen [Fielding] created something so special because it’s real. We all have those moments where we feel like Bridget—whether it’s showing up to a party in the wrong outfit or saying the wrong thing at the worst time.”
With the release of Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy just around the corner, fans are eagerly anticipating how Bridget’s story unfolds next.
And as for the legendary big pants? The mystery continues. But if Hugh Grant does have them, perhaps he’ll reveal their whereabouts in time for the premiere.
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy hits theaters on February 13, 2025.
