'I have no regrets': Toni Collette opens up about turning down lead role in 'Bridget Jones's Diary'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Who does not love romantic comedies? It is one of the timeless genres that always stays in the limelight. From 'When Harry Met Sally...' and 'The Proposal' to the most recent 'Shotgun Wedding', the genre has its loyal fans. However, in a recent interview, 'Knives Out' star Toni Collette, revealed that she missed out on an opportunity to play one of the most iconic romantic comedy characters of all time, Bridget Jones, in 'Bridget Jones's Diary'.
'Bridget Jones's Diary' was written by Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies, and Richard Curtis and was directed by Sharon Maguire. The rom-com starred Renée Zellweger as the titular Bridget Jones and the movie also starred Colin Firth as Mark Darcy and Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver.
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Why Toni Collette turned down the lead 'Bridget Jones's Diary'?
According to Insider, 'The Sixth Sense' star Toni Collette turned down one of the most iconic lead roles in 'Bridget Jones's Diary'. Colette is currently promoting her comedy adventure movie 'Mafia Mamma'. While appearing in a recent interview of 'Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen' to promote her latest, Colette was asked the question whether she turned down the role of being the lead in 'Bridget Jones's Diary' because she was committed to a Broadway role at the time, and was further asked whether she regretted not taking the role. To this question, Colette said, "I don't regret anything" and confirmed the question. Colette further added, "I think there are no coincidences. Anything that's meant for you in life is meant to happen." Colette further reinstated that, "I have no regrets — life happens as it's meant to. But that is true, yeah."
The bespoken role ultimately went to Renée Zellweger, to whom the role became a propeller and Zellweger became one of the most popular stars, rising to the level of an A-lister. She even got nominated for an Oscar for this iconic role. Zellweger went on to portray the iconic Bridget Jones in three movies, 'Bridget Jones's Diary' in 2001, 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason' in 2014, and 'Bridget Jones's Baby' in 2016. It would have been interesting to know about the possibility of Colette playing the loveable Bridget Jones.
What is 'Bridget Jones's Diary' about?
Released in 2001, 'Bridget Jones's Diary' is based on the novel of the same name by Helen Fielding. The romantic comedy sets out to tell the story of the titular character, Bridget Jones, who is single and in her 30s. The societal pressure around Bridget Jones makes her look into her life. Working in a publishing company, Bridget Jones takes a decision and writes down what she wants to achieve in her life. This leads to unexpected revelations and major changes in Bridget Jones' life. The movie is a phenomenon and Bridget Jones became a cultural icon.
It is to be noted that the fourth instalment of 'Bridget Jones's Diary' is said to be in the works and it is reportedly to take up the plotline of Helen Fielding's 2013 book titled, 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy'.