The actress says freshly unveiled Bridget Jones statue is “charming”, stating, “It’s sweeter than me.”
The Oscar-winning actress has described the new statue of Bridget Jones as “delightful”, explaining, “I think, she’s a lot sweeter than me.”
The actress was commenting as the new statue honoring the character she embodied for many years was uncovered in the heart of the city on the start of the week.
Bridget Jones was created in the mid-1990s by author Helen Fielding, and originally translated for the big screen in 2001. The newest movie came out this past February.
Speaking at the unveiling, Fielding refused to rule out continuing the series, remarking you should “always keep options open.”
The star added that people everywhere can relate to Bridget, which highlights her huge appeal.
“It’s her sensitivity, her humanity,” she said. “We see our own reflections in her, we recognise ourselves in her challenges.
“It gives permission for the everyone else to be truly who we are. Real.”
The persona of Bridget Jones touched many women’s hearts, who took comfort in her trials and tribulations.
From her embarrassing work mishaps, to her infamous granny pants, Bridget connected with a demographic who identified in her—and has recently won over a fresh wave of new admirers too.
The latest movie in the franchise, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was released in early this year, and depicts Bridget portrayed as a single mother and exploring contemporary romance.
It garnered divided opinions, but achieved the strongest box office opening ever for a rom-com in the UK and Ireland, according to reports.
The film was described as the last installment in the franchise—but speaking at the statue unveiling, two longtime enthusiasts, Faye and Wayne, said they were sure there would be a next chapter.
“There are so many things that were left unresolved at the end of the recent movie,” said Faye.
“Her character keeps evolving. I hope to be with Bridget Jones all the way to the retirement home,” said Wayne.
When prompted about the possibility of a next installment in Bridget Jones’ story, Fielding said: “The door is open. Ideas come to you as a writer. So if a story came to me that I thought was authentic and interesting and original then I would pursue it.”
Some think the imperfect and human protagonist, who’s preoccupied by her appearance and relationship status, is not the best inspiration.
And Fielding personally has acknowledged in the past that certain aspects of the narrative seem less relevant today.
“Bridget Jones’s Diary would not be created now, set now, because all those workplace characters would be sacked,” she said in the past. “That was a completely other era.”
But speaking on Monday, she said she aspired the broader theme of the story would continue to chime for readers.
“Personally, to have the reassurance of seeing a persona that you can connect with, because they are real and imperfect and emotionally honest, it’s like having the friend you can be real with,” she said.
The monument is the inaugural to celebrate a romantic comedy on Leicester Square’s public art walk.
The cinema sculpture display first debuted in the year 2020 with the introduction of several statues featuring Laurel and Hardy, Mary Poppins, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Don Lockwood, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean and Wonder Woman.
In the time since, figures of the boy wizard, the iconic seat from Game of Thrones, the beloved dog and the adventurer have been included.
