Hugh Grant has hinted that despite the fate of his character in the novels, Colin Firth might still make an appearance as Mark Darcy in some capacity in the upcoming film, *Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy*. This film, the fourth in the romantic comedy series inspired by Helen Fielding’s novels, is based on the 2013 book of the same name and is slated for release in 2025. Grant is set to reprise his role as Daniel Cleaver, returning to the series 20 years after his last appearance in *Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason*. In the 2016 film *Bridget Jones’ Baby*, Cleaver was presumed dead following an off-screen plane crash, only to be revealed alive at the movie’s conclusion.
Scheduled for a Valentine’s Day 2025 release, *Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy* has sparked curiosity about Firth’s potential return. During the Toronto International Film Festival, where Grant was promoting his new horror film *Heretic*, he spoke to *Screen Rant* about the possibility of Firth’s cameo. Despite Firth not being included in the initially announced cast, Grant seems optimistic about his potential appearance. He stated:
“I’m not convinced that he’s not in it. I think they’re hiding something.”
Could Hugh Grant Be Right About Colin Firth’s Return to Bridget Jones?
The Film Series Has a History of Straying from the Books
Considering Grant’s history with the *Bridget Jones* series, his suspicion about Firth’s possible return for *Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy* is understandable. Grant previously expressed dissatisfaction with early drafts of what would eventually become *Bridget Jones’ Baby*, opting out of the project, which resulted in Cleaver being written out and assumed dead until later confirmed alive. Given this creative exclusion of his character, Grant might anticipate similar treatment for Firth.
Mark’s fate in the story is deeply personal to Fielding.
While the film adaptations have often diverged from Fielding’s novels—as evidenced by Cleaver’s exclusion and subsequent return in *Bridget Jones’ Baby*—Mark’s fate is a personal decision for Fielding. In the 2013 novel, Mark dies in a landmine incident, a plot choice reflecting Fielding’s own experiences with life’s unpredictability and loss. Despite the films’ previous deviations from their source material, Mark’s death is expected to remain intact.
The cast announcements for *Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy* suggest Mark’s fate will adhere to the novel’s narrative. However, Grant’s assumption about Firth’s return might not be entirely off base. Though controversial, the film could creatively address Mark’s death by utilizing the medium’s unique capabilities, such as flashbacks, to allow Firth’s return as characters recall Mark and Bridget’s shared moments. Thus, as Grant suggests, Firth’s return to the franchise might still be possible.
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
- Comedy
- Drama
- Romance
