The actress declares freshly unveiled Bridget Jones statue is “adorable”, adding, “She’s sweeter than me.”
The Oscar-winning actress has described the freshly installed statue of Bridget Jones as “endearing”, remarking, “Personally, she’s far more charming than me.”
The actress was commenting as the recently revealed statue honoring the character she embodied for more than 20 years was uncovered in the iconic London square on Monday.
Bridget Jones was introduced in the mid-1990s by author Helen Fielding, and originally translated for the big screen in 2001. The newest movie debuted in recent months.
Commenting at the reveal, Fielding refused to rule out taking her story further, saying you should “always keep options open.”
The star explained that audiences can relate to Bridget, which accounts for her enduring charm.
“It’s her sensitivity, her humanity,” she said. “We see our own reflections in her, we connect in her journeys.
“It makes it OK for the rest of us to be authentically who we are. Flawed.”
The character of Bridget Jones went straight to many women’s hearts, who found solace in her personal journey.
From her awkward work incidents, to her notorious granny pants, Bridget resonated with a generation who saw themselves in her—and has recently won over a new generation of younger fans too.
The new installment in the saga, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was debuted in early this year, and depicts Bridget portrayed as a solo parent and tackling today’s relationships.
It earned varied critiques, but achieved the highest theatrical launch ever for a romantic comedy in the UK and Ireland, according to reports.
The film was billed as the conclusion in the saga—but reflecting at the event, two longtime enthusiasts, Faye and Wayne, said they were convinced there would be a sequel.
“There were so many things that were left unresolved at the finale of the last film,” said Faye.
“Bridget keeps growing. I’d love to be with Bridget Jones all the way to the nursing home,” said Wayne.
When questioned about the possibility of a future story in Bridget Jones’ story, Fielding said: “Anything is possible. Ideas emerge as a writer. So if a story came to me that I thought was real and compelling and original then I would pursue it.”
A few commentators think the struggling and flawed heroine, who’s obsessed over her appearance and relationship status, is not the best inspiration.
And Fielding personally has noted earlier that elements of the narrative feel dated.
“Bridget Jones’s Diary would be impossible to produce now, written in this era, because all those male coworkers would be dismissed,” she said last year. “It was a distinct period.”
But commenting on the unveiling day, she said she wished the broader theme of the book would remain relevant for audiences.
“Personally, to have the reassurance of observing a persona that you can connect with, because they are genuine and human and open, it’s like having the confidante you can be honest with,” she said.
The monument is the inaugural to celebrate a rom com on the landmark’s Scenes in the Square trail.
The public art display originally launched in recently with the installation of eight sculptures showcasing comedy legends, Mary Poppins, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Don Lockwood, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean and Wonder Woman.
In the time since, sculptures of Harry Potter, the iconic seat from Game of Thrones, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Indiana Jones have been installed.