AceShowbiz - The much-awaited fourth installment in the "Bridget Jones" series sparks controversy as it sees the beloved character, played by Renee Zellweger, navigating the complexities of life as a single mom and widow while embarking on a romantic journey with a younger man.

Leo Woodall, who played the younger man, addressed the age-gap relationship in an interview with Stellar Magazine. He defended the plot, "It's a real relationship that happens a lot and you know, we're just not used to seeing it on screen."

"When two people find the connection, why shouldn't they see where it goes without judgment? Both dynamics should be equally normalised. It's a good thing that we're getting the reverse."

Renée Zellweger, reprising her role as the iconic Bridget Jones, echoed Woodall's sentiments. At the London premiere, she addressed the portrayal of her relationship with Woodall's character, Roxster, stating, "I mean, I think it's nothing new… but maybe the social taboos are melting away… it's never a bad thing."

Beyond the romance, "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy" stays true to its roots. The character, first introduced in Helen Fielding's 1996 novel, has grown, presenting a more mature yet still relatable Bridget who deals with her new reality with her signature blend of charm and messiness.

Bridget's storyline intertwines comedy and earnest emotion, featuring not only Zellweger and Woodall's chemistry but also a cast of talented actors, including Hugh Grant returning as Daniel Cleaver and Chiwetel Ejiofor as her son's science teacher.

The film, directed by Michael Morris, hits international cinemas on February 12, with a streaming release on Peacock in the US a day later. It promises to deliver not just laughs and tears but also a progressive narrative that challenges viewers to rethink their preconceptions about age and romance.