Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant proved their on-screen chemistry and style remain unmatched as they reunited at the Paris premiere of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy on Monday, January 27. The event marked a nostalgic full-circle moment, as the duo’s red carpet looks echoed the outfits they wore for the debut of the original Bridget Jones’s Diary nearly 24 years ago.

Zellweger, 55, stunned in a sleek black lace one-shoulder column gown with a long sleeve, a sophisticated update of the figure-hugging black cocktail dress she wore at the 2001 premiere. Grant, 64, appeared dashing in a black jacket, pants, and patent leather shoes, paired with a relaxed white button-down — a look that closely mirrored his attire from the franchise’s first film debut.

The duo was joined by costars Leo Woodall and Chiwetel Ejiofor, director Michael Morris, and screenwriter Helen Fielding, who authored the 1996 novel that inspired the Bridget Jones series. Together, they celebrated the latest chapter in Bridget’s cinematic journey, which promises to bring fresh laughs, heartfelt moments, and some familiar romantic complications.

Background on Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is the fourth film in the beloved franchise, following Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), and Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016). Based on Fielding’s 2013 novel, the movie catches up with Bridget in a new phase of her life — navigating parenthood, grief, and a surprising new romantic entanglement.

This time, Bridget is raising her two children as a single mother while reflecting on the joys and challenges of her past relationships. Zellweger reprises her iconic role, while Grant’s Daniel Cleaver makes a highly anticipated return alongside new characters played by Woodall and Ejiofor. Fans can expect the same sharp wit, heartfelt moments, and romantic twists that have made the series a cultural phenomenon.

Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant’s Personal Reflections

Ahead of the film’s release, Zellweger opened up about her six-year break from Hollywood, which began in 2010. Speaking to British Vogue in January, she revealed, “I was sick of the sound of my own voice. It was like, ‘Oh, is this your mad voice again, Renée?’” During her time off, she embraced new pursuits, including studying international law, rescuing older dogs, and working on personal projects. “I got healthy,” the Oscar-winning actress shared.

Grant, who portrays the ever-charming Daniel Cleaver, has also been candid about his career. In a recent interview on the SmartLess podcast, he admitted he had lost confidence after taking critics’ opinions to heart. “I entirely lost faith that I could do anything else,” he said. “But I see now maybe I was wrong.”

A Legacy of Love and Laughter

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy promises to honor the legacy of its predecessors while exploring new dimensions of Bridget’s character. The franchise, which first debuted in 2001, has grossed nearly $800 million worldwide and cemented its place as one of the most cherished romantic comedy series in modern cinema.

With Zellweger and Grant at the helm once again, fans can look forward to a heartwarming and hilarious continuation of Bridget’s story when the film hits theaters in February 2025.