Bridget Jones fans fume as 'favourite' character 'won't return' for fourth film

A fourth Bridget Jones film has been confirmed, but fans are up in arms as a 'favourite' character won't be returning.

The new instalment, officially titled 'Mad About A Boy', is in the works with Renee Zellweger set to reprise her iconic role. Working Title Films made the announcement on Tuesday (April 9) revealing that some familiar faces from previous films will be joining her.

Hugh Grant is set to return as Daniel Cleaver, having missed out on the third film, 'Bridget Jones' Baby', released in 2016. Emma Thompson is also back on board, not only acting but serving as co-writer for the upcoming movie.

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The cast will be freshened up with the addition of Chiwetel Ejiofor (Rob Peace) and Leo Woodall ('The White Lotus'). However, fans were quick to notice the absence of Colin Firth's beloved character Mark Darcy in the initial casting news.

After the last film ended with Bridget marrying Mark, it appears there may be trouble ahead for the couple. Fans took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their dismay, reports WalesOnline.

One person said: "What about Colin!!!!!" A second echoed: "MrDarcy?", sharing a photo of Firth's character from the films.

A third wrote: "What about Colin Firth - Mark Darcy has to be in the film," while another simply commented: "Dead," suggesting their theory on what happens to Darcy.

The original film, Bridget Jones's Diary, was released in 2001, with follow-ups Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Bridget Jones's Baby arriving in 2004 and 2016, respectively. The three films together grossed over $760m worldwide. Introduced in Bridget Jones's Baby as Jones's OB/GYN, Dr. Rawling, Emma Thompson also co-wrote the screenplay for that film.

Based on the third book in Fielding's series, Mad About the Boy picks up with Bridget in her early fifties, as she navigates the challenges of modern life while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood. No word yet as to who Ejiofor and Woodall will be playing.

Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Jo Wallett will produce through Working Title Films, with Working Title's Amelia Granger and Sarah-Jane Wright exec producing alongside Fielding.