Hugh Grant Teases a “Funny but Sad” Twist in Bridget Jones 4: What Fans Can Expect

Bridget Jones fans have always loved the films for their iconic blend of humour, awkward moments, and heartwarming romance. But according to Hugh Grant, the upcoming fourth instalment in the beloved franchise—Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy—is set to take a different, more emotional turn. Scheduled for release on Valentine’s Day next year, the film promises to be a mix of comedy and heartfelt sadness, as revealed by Grant during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show.

Grant, reprising his role as the dashing yet mischievous Daniel Cleaver, hinted at the film’s deeper, more emotional tone. “As well as being extremely funny, it’s very, very sad,” Grant explained. He also revealed that although there was initially “no obvious role” for his character, the filmmakers decided to “cram” him into the storyline.

Renée Zellweger returns as the loveable title character, Bridget Jones, with the plot borrowing heavily from Helen Fielding’s 2013 novel Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy. In the book, Bridget is in her 50s, a single mother of two, and navigating life after the tragic death of her husband, Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth in earlier films. While the studio hasn’t confirmed how closely the movie will stick to the novel’s plot, it’s clear that Fielding herself has had a personal hand in writing the script.

Grant shed light on the inspiration behind the story, sharing that Fielding’s own experience of losing her husband inspired the novel. “She had a sad story,” he said, explaining how Fielding realised her protagonist was becoming more like Bridget Jones as she dealt with the personal tragedy of raising children alone.

For fans of the original films, Grant’s return is sure to add to the excitement, especially since he didn’t appear in the third movie, Bridget Jones’s Baby. Additionally, Emma Thompson will return as Bridget’s obstetrician, and new faces like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall will join the cast. Ejiofor is rumoured to play Bridget’s younger love interest, sparking new complications in her dating life.

With the movie set to balance humour and sadness, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy promises to offer a more mature and emotionally complex take on Bridget’s journey—while still retaining the charm that made her character so beloved.