Bridget Jones Statue Unveiled in Leicester Square to Mark 25th Anniversary of Franchise

A bronze statue honoring the beloved cultural icon Bridget Jones, famously portrayed by Renée Zellweger, was officially unveiled in the heart of London’s cinematic district, Leicester Square, on November 17, 2025. This significant monument serves a dual purpose: commemorating the 25th anniversary of the release of the seminal romantic comedy, *Bridget Jones's Diary*, which first hit screens in 2001, and celebrating the launch of the franchise's highly anticipated fourth installment. The newest film, *Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy*, premiered earlier in February 2025, marking a major milestone for the enduring character and its creator.

The sculpture itself, crafted meticulously by the London studio 3D Eye, captures Bridget in a characteristic pose, wearing a short dress and clutching her essential tools: her signature diary and a pen. The unveiling ceremony drew several key figures instrumental to the franchise's success. Among the notable attendees were actress Renée Zellweger; Helen Fielding, the original author whose columns in The Independent in 1995 first brought Bridget to life; and actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall, who star in the latest movie. Sally Phillips, known for her role as Bridget’s friend Sharon, or "Shazzer," was also present. Fielding reflected on the character's longevity, noting that the persona, which originated in a simple newspaper column, has maintained its relevance for nearly three decades, primarily due to her inherent humanity and self-deprecating humor.

The fourth film, *Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy*, directed by Michael Morris, catches up with Bridget at the age of 51. The narrative finds her navigating life as a widow and raising children while tentatively re-entering the dating scene in search of new love. The picture enjoyed considerable international success following its UK theatrical release on February 13, 2025. Globally, the film quickly surpassed expectations, accumulating a worldwide box office gross of over $140 million. In the United States, the film opted for a direct-to-streaming release, becoming available on the Peacock service on the same date, February 13. The overall financial performance of the entire Bridget Jones franchise is robust, with total earnings reportedly approaching the impressive figure of $900 million.

The installation permanently integrates Bridget Jones into the prestigious "Scenes in the Square" cinematic trail, a collection of iconic film figures already featuring beloved characters such as Harry Potter and Mary Poppins. This initiative was jointly spearheaded by the Heart of London business alliance and the Westminster City Council, aiming to celebrate London’s rich film heritage. Weighing approximately 200 kilograms of solid bronze, the monument symbolizes the character’s profound cultural influence. Critics often laud Bridget Jones as the quintessential "imperfect heroine," a figure who bravely challenged conventional societal norms regarding women and relationships. The statue stands as a lasting tribute, reminding passersby how genuine personal experiences and self-irony can evolve into a universally cherished cultural phenomenon.