Bridget Jones, the iconic character brought to life by Renée Zellweger, is set to be honored with a life-sized bronze statue in Leicester Square, London. The unveiling will take place on November 17, an occasion that will be attended by Zellweger herself, along with co-stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, and event host Sally Phillips. Eric Fellner, co-chairman of Working Title Films, expressed excitement about this first-of-its-kind tribute, stating, “We’re getting a statue of one of our most loved characters in bronze being put in Leicester Square, and that’s very exciting.”
The statue is the work of London-based studio 3D Eye and will be positioned near the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, the venue for the world premiere of “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” earlier this year. According to Fellner, the bronze statue is a long-awaited recognition of a “proper London heroine.” He noted that this marks a significant milestone, as it is the first representation of a romantic comedy character in such a prominent location, enhancing the cultural landscape of London.
This unveiling coincides with the upcoming 25th anniversary of “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” the film that first introduced audiences to the lovable character in 2001. The franchise, which has earned an impressive $900 million globally, features Zellweger’s portrayal opposite Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. Reflecting on the origins of Bridget, Fellner praised author Helen Fielding for her clever writing that began in her Independent newspaper column in 1995. “I love the idea that her brilliant writing in a newspaper 30 years ago ends up as a statue in Leicester Square. It’s kind of gorgeous,” he acknowledged.
Adding to the excitement, Zellweger hinted at her willingness to return to the role if Fielding decides to write a new installment, reinforcing her bond with the character. Fellows also suggested the possibility of a fifth film, highlighting the enduring legacy of Bridget Jones and her connection to audiences.
This tribute not only honors a beloved fictional character but also celebrates the lasting impact of romantic comedies in cinema and the cultural significance of Bridget Jones in London.