Bridget Jones, the lovable and relatable character, has been a fan favorite for many years. From her awkward moments to her hilarious dating adventures, audiences have followed her journey through the ups and downs of life. But when was the last Bridget Jones movie? In this article, we’ll look back at the final installment of this iconic series and explore what made it so special.
The Bridget Jones Movie Series
Before diving into the last movie, let’s take a quick look at the Bridget Jones movie series. Based on Helen Fielding’s books, the films follow Bridget, a single woman in her 30s, navigating love, work, and personal growth.
1. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
The first film, Bridget Jones’s Diary, was released in 2001. It was an instant hit, bringing Helen Fielding’s best-selling novel to life. The movie starred Renée Zellweger as Bridget, Colin Firth as Mark Darcy, and Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver. This romantic comedy captured Bridget’s humorous and sometimes cringeworthy attempts at finding love. The film was a success at the box office and earned Zellweger a nomination for an Academy Award.
2. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)
Three years later, in 2004, Bridget returned to the big screen in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. This sequel picked up right where the first film left off, with Bridget still juggling her feelings for both Mark and Daniel. While the sequel didn’t receive the same critical acclaim as the first film, it still delivered the humor and romance fans loved. Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant all returned to reprise their roles.
3. Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016)
After more than a decade of waiting, fans were finally treated to a third installment in 2016, Bridget Jones’s Baby. This film brought Bridget back into the spotlight, dealing with new challenges as she faced pregnancy at the age of 43. This time, Bridget was unsure who the father of her baby was: her ex Mark Darcy or the charming American Jack Qwant, played by Patrick Dempsey. The movie was released in September 2016, and fans were eager to see how Bridget’s story would unfold.
When Was Bridget Jones’s Baby Released?
The last movie in the Bridget Jones series, Bridget Jones’s Baby, was released in the United Kingdom on September 16, 2016. It was released a few days later in the United States, on September 23, 2016.
The film marked the return of Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones, who had been absent from the role for over a decade. Fans were excited to see what had become of their favorite character and how her love life would evolve.
The Plot of Bridget Jones’s Baby
In Bridget Jones’s Baby, Bridget is now in her 40s, working as a producer for a TV news program. After a breakup with Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), Bridget begins a fling with Jack Qwant (Patrick Dempsey), a smooth-talking American. Unexpectedly, Bridget finds herself pregnant, and the movie centers around her uncertainty about which of the two men is the father. The film’s premise mixed romance and humor with relatable real-life situations.
Mark Darcy vs. Jack Qwant
One of the key moments that intrigued fans was the love triangle between Bridget, Mark, and Jack. Bridget had always shared a complicated, on-again, off-again relationship with Mark, while Jack was a more spontaneous, charming new character. The movie explored whether Bridget would rekindle her romance with Mark or pursue a relationship with Jack.
Critical Reception of Bridget Jones’s Baby
When Bridget Jones’s Baby was released, it received a generally positive response from both critics and audiences. Many fans were excited to see Renée Zellweger back in the iconic role of Bridget.
Critics praised the movie for its lighthearted nature, humor, and the return of beloved characters. However, some noted that it wasn’t quite as fresh or groundbreaking as the original Bridget Jones’s Diary.
Despite mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide. Renée Zellweger’s performance as Bridget was also well-received, with many noting how she had seamlessly stepped back into the character’s shoes.
Why Was Bridget Jones’s Baby the Last Movie?
Many fans are curious about whether there will be another Bridget Jones movie after Bridget Jones’s Baby. While there has been talk of a potential fourth movie, there has been no official confirmation. In interviews, Renée Zellweger has mentioned that she would be open to reprising the role, but only if the story felt fresh and meaningful.
Additionally, director Sharon Maguire has expressed her satisfaction with how Bridget Jones’s Baby concluded Bridget’s journey. The film’s ending offered a sense of closure for the character, making it unclear where a potential fourth movie would go.
What’s Next for the Cast of Bridget Jones?
Although the future of the Bridget Jones series remains uncertain, the cast members have remained busy with other projects. Renée Zellweger, who played
Bridget, has taken on various roles since the movie’s release. Her portrayal of Judy Garland in the 2019 film Judy earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Colin Firth, who played the charming Mark Darcy, continues to be a well-respected actor. He starred in the 2020 film The Secret Garden and has worked on a variety of film and TV projects since his time as Mark Darcy.
Hugh Grant, who played the charming yet mischievous Daniel Cleaver, has also continued to have a successful career. He starred in the critically acclaimed TV series The Undoing in 2020, alongside Nicole Kidman.
Fans’ Continued Love for Bridget Jones
Even though Bridget Jones’s Baby was released in 2016, the character of Bridget Jones remains beloved by many. Fans continue to celebrate the films, often quoting their favorite lines and revisiting the movies for a good laugh. The character has become a symbol of modern womanhood, representing the struggles and joys of life, love, and self-acceptance.
Conclusion
The last Bridget Jones movie, Bridget Jones’s Baby, was released on September 16, 2016, marking the end of a beloved trilogy. Fans were excited to see Bridget’s journey continue, this time as a pregnant woman unsure of who the father of her child is. While there has been talk of a potential fourth movie, nothing has been confirmed yet, and Bridget Jones’s Baby remains the final installment in the series for now. Despite this, the character of Bridget Jones continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, and the films continue to be enjoyed for their humor, charm, and relatability.
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