Renee Zellweger makes stance clear on age-gap backlash over new Bridget Jones relationship
Renée Zellweger and her co-star Leo Woodall have addressed the controversy surrounding the significant age gap in the upcoming Bridget Jones film.
The fourth instalment of the beloved franchise features a romance between 51-year-old Bridget Jones and her 29-year-old love interest, Roxster, played by 28-year-old Woodall.
The age difference between the characters has sparked widespread discussion ahead of the film’s Valentine’s Day release.
Both lead actors have defended the relationship, dismissing concerns about the 22-year age gap.
Zellweger, 55, addressed the age gap directly in a recent interview with Variety, stating: “I mean, I think it’s nothing new. But maybe the social taboos are melting away… it’s never a bad thing.
The Oscar-winning actress questioned why such relationships should be scrutinised at all.
“There’s certain things that we probably don’t need to have opinions about, and where people find love… why would that ever be a problem?” she said.
Woodall, who plays Roxster, echoed his co-star’s sentiments about the on-screen relationship.
“It’s a real relationship that happens a lot,” the British actor explained. “And you know, we’re just not used to seeing it on screen.”
He emphasised the importance of “getting people used to it” through representation in film.
The new film, “Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy”, follows Bridget as she navigates life as a widow and single mother following the death of Mark Darcy.
Hugh Grant returns as Daniel Cleaver, alongside original cast members Sally Phillips, Shirley Henderson, Gemma Jones and Celia Imrie.
The star-studded new additions include Chiwetel Ejiofor as Bridget’s son’s science teacher and potential love interest.
Zellweger praised her new leading men, Ejiofor and Woodall, saying she felt “spoiled for riches”.
“That’s not a bad day at work right there. Talented, wonderful fellas,” she remarked.
The age-gap romance in Bridget Jones follows recent similar portrayals in Hollywood.
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Nicole Kidman starred in “Babygirl” as a CEO in her fifties involved with a younger male intern, winning Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival.
Anne Hathaway also recently featured in “The Idea of You”, playing a 40-year-old divorced mother who begins dating a younger boy band member, portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine.
These films reflect a growing trend in depicting relationships between older women and younger men on screen.