There has been a debate over whether Universal made the correct decision in releasingBridget Jones: Mad About the Boydirectly on the Peacock streaming service domestically. Sure, the character is a British icon, but she must have her share of fans in North America as well. EvenPaddington in Peruwas able to pass the $30 million mark domestically despite falling roughly in the same category as Bridget Jones in terms of stateside cultural relevance. Nevertheless,despite not getting a domestic release,Bridget Jones 4seems to be doing just fine in overseas markets.
Themovie has now made $90 million internationally, of which over $45 million has come from the United Kingdom. In total, the venerable franchise has grossed around $900 million worldwide. Each of the three previous installments was a hit. Released in 2001,Bridget Jones’s Diarymade over $300 million worldwide, including re-release revenue. It also earned starRenée Zellwegeran Academy Award nomination. In 2004,Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reasonmade over $260 million globally, while 2016’sBridget Jones’s Babygrossed over $200 million worldwide.
Over the course of its run, the franchise has seen declining returns domestically, which is perhaps what influenced Universal’s decision to debut it on Peacock around Valentine’s Day. That being said, the three previous films made a combined total of over $130 million in stateside theaters, with the first installment leading the pack. Interestingly,Bridget Jones 4is Zellweger’s first film since her second Oscar win for her performance asJudy Garlandin the biopicJudy, released in 2019.
The Rom-Com Is Making a Theatrical Comeback
The movie also brings back the original film’s starsColin FirthandHugh Grant, alongside newcomersLeo WoodallandChiwetel Ejiofor. The plot follows a middle-aged Bridget balancing attention from a younger man, played by Woodall, with her interest in her child’s teacher, played by Ejiofor.Bridget Jones 4isthe best-reviewed installment of the franchise, with an excellent 88% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes. Directed byMichael Morris, the movie was produced ona reported budget of $50 million. Although the romantic comedy genre has mostly been relegated to streaming these days, a handful of hits, such asAnyone But YouandTicket to Paradise, have made a strong case for a theatrical comeback in recent years.
You can watchBridget Jones 4at home domestically and in theaters overseas. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
Widowed for four years, Bridget Jones raises her children while supported by friends and family. Pressed to rebuild her life, she returns to work and explores dating, meeting a younger man. Balancing romance, work, and motherhood, Bridget navigates pressures from all parts of her social and family life.
