Leo Woodall Reveals His Ambitions After Stepping into Bridget Jones’ New Love Life

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For a woman who often struggled with romantic frustrations, Bridget Jones had an eye for quality men. In the movie “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” which hit screens 24 years ago, Colin Firth charmed audiences as the suave human rights lawyer Mark Darcy and Hugh Grant rekindled our affection as the charming but roguish book publisher Daniel Cleaver. It’s no wonder that when Leo Woodall, aged 28, first encountered Bridget Jones, he was unusually anxious (to clarify, he actually met Renée Zellweger over coffee).

Woodall confessed in a swanky Claridge’s hotel room, right in his hometown of London, that he was drenched in sweat. He winced at the memory of pedaling his bike through the city to meet her. “Why did I do that?” he thought, regretting not taking the bus instead. It took him a moment to compose himself after this realization.

Recently, Woodall landed a prominent role as the free-spirited park ranger named Roxster McDuff in “Mad About the Boy,” the fourth installment of the “Bridget Jones” series. Known for his charm and good looks, he captivated audiences during the second season of “The White Lotus” as a charismatic scammer with an unexpected familial connection to his “uncle.” He also left many hearts broken in Netflix’s “One Day,” portraying a playboy who eventually became romantic. This dual role catapulted him into the limelight, earning him the part of Bridget’s younger love interest without needing to audition with Zellweger. However, this casting opportunity held significant weight for Woodall, as he had fond memories of watching the original “Bridget Jones” movie during his Christmases when he was only 4 years old.

It’s difficult to envision Woodall looking frazzled and tense at this moment. Instead, he exudes an air of refinement in his crisp white T-shirt and well-worn jeans that match the color of his eyes. Despite our conversation taking place towards the end of a lengthy day, he continues to charm effortlessly, mistaking me for someone he met on the red carpet a few nights ago (“I felt like I knew you!”), and even jokingly grasping my hand after misunderstanding a question, causing us both to laugh. It’s clear that Woodall makes an excellent substitute for the romantic lead in a series where Bridget’s long-time crush was recently killed off (a man she had pined over for 15 years and eventually found herself with).

Indeed, you’re correct! In Helen Fielding’s 2013 novel “Mad About the Boy,” we find Bridget Jones four years after the passing of her husband, Mark Darcy, as portrayed by Colin Firth in the initial movies. Widowed and raising their two young children, Bridget is hesitant to return to dating until she encounters Roxster – a charming blend of playful and patient traits that help reignite her zest for life.

Initially, Woodall learned about the chance through his agent and was arranged for an audition with well-known casting director Lucy Bevan. At first, he was asked to practice the part using a Scottish accent, but this didn’t last. “I assume they changed their minds once I began performing it,” Woodall laughs. “They decided they wanted me, just not my Scottish persona, which I’m okay with.

Fielding, who collaborated on the script for the movie, believed Woodall could be an excellent choice following his performance in “The White Lotus.” Upon watching him, she thought, “What a shrewd actor,” and noticed that he appreciates women – it’s evident in his performance. She added, “He’s got the sparkle.

Despite the fact that Woodall and Zellweger never tested their chemistry on-screen, he found it intriguing. As he put it, “They trusted me and Renée. Clearly, they didn’t need to worry about her… but I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘What if…?’ Because sometimes luck is on your side, and other times it isn’t, and fortunately for us… Well, there’s that spark.” He added, “She’s such a delight to be around, generous, fun, and cool. So it was natural for us to have the chemistry required for those roles.

Without a doubt, Woodall and Zellweger shine brilliantly on-screen. Their initial encounter, while not instantly love at first sight – Roxster saving Bridget and her children when they become trapped in a tree – introduces a lighthearted, spirited dynamic that echoes throughout the entire movie.

In a humorous yet sensual moment, Roxster jumps into a pool at a party filled with Bridget’s companions to rescue a dog. Emerging from the water, he passionately kisses her, leaving his white shirt completely drenched. Their first intimate encounter is steamy, but not without its share of amusing blunders as Bridget has taken on the role of a “born-again virgin” following Darcy’s demise. Despite Woodall and Zellweger being close friends by then, an intimacy coordinator was employed during filming to ensure the right balance was achieved in their intimate scenes.

Woodall remarks, “Those intimate moments can be quite uncomfortable, you understand?” He leans forward, placing his chin in his hands. “Regardless of how alluring they might seem in the finished product, performing them is awkward. Therefore, we should simply find a way to laugh about it, and that authenticity shines through.”

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Woodall points out, “Those intimate sequences can be a bit uncomfortable, right?” He leans forward, holding his chin with his hands. “It doesn’t matter how attractive they may look in the final version – performing them is awkward. So, our best approach is to find humor in it, and that genuine feeling comes across.

Absolutely, the heart of Roxster and Bridget’s bond is rooted in their two-decade age gap. In the movie, this aspect sparks scandal and envy among Bridget’s detractors, while leaving some devoted fans of the series a tad taken aback by the unexpected combination of Darcy’s demise and Bridget’s youthful paramour when the trailer was unveiled in November. However, the trend of older women dating younger men has been prominent in Hollywood lately, with films like “Babygirl” and “The Idea of You” delving into relationships that challenge traditional norms. As I embarked on “Mad About the Boy,” my intention was to make their relationship seem authentic rather than just a plot device or tired trope.

Age-gap relationships have been around and continue to be prevalent,” states Woodall, implying that we’re simply not accustomed to witnessing them in the media.

At the London premiere, Zellweger concurred, stating, “Well, it’s not exactly groundbreaking, but perhaps the societal stigmas are fading. It’s always positive when they do. Some matters might not require our judgment. And as for where people find love, I can’t imagine anything more problematic about that.

Woodall points out that the “Bridget Jones” films excel in being incredibly relatable and resonating with truths that people from various parts of the world, spanning different generations, can easily identify with.

After having “One Day” and “Bridget Jones” on his acting portfolio, Woodall appears to be the prime choice for upcoming romantic leads. However, he’s not closed off to more opportunities in that genre; he simply mentions, “I might consider it,” but adds, “For now, I think I want to delve into different areas for a while.

Action is what sits at the pinnacle of his aspirations. Despite spearheading Apple TV+’s latest thriller series “Prime Target,” which includes some stunts, Woodall yearns for more. “I must admit I haven’t truly delved into action, if I’m being honest,” he confesses.

Woodall is a young, stylish British man who humorously responds when asked about playing James Bond, saying “Every British actor’s getting that question!” However, he admits that the offer hasn’t been made yet. He does express enthusiasm for the role though, stating, “Sure, I’d be up for Bond! I’d love to take part in something like that. It doesn’t have to involve saving the world, but I’d enjoy the chance to fight some villains!

As I eagerly anticipate my next call, I’ll be gracing the silver screen in “Nuremberg,” James Vanderbilt’s gripping historical drama that delves into the post-World War II trials. Joining me in this star-studded cast are heavyweights such as Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, and Richard E. Grant. This project is strikingly relevant given the resurgence of fascism globally, a chilling reminder of its past presence. I’ve had the privilege of watching it, and let me tell you, Vanderbilt’s work is truly remarkable. The performances are outstanding, and he masterfully ties the narrative to our contemporary world, making it eerily relatable.

Although Starry ventures take a backseat, Woodall’s own stardom is on the upswing, yet his personal privacy diminishes. “It’s quite odd,” he remarks about fame, explaining that following the release of “One Day”, he has been more frequently identified in public and has been readying himself for the surge of recognition after “Bridget”.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve found myself in the spotlight along with my fellow “White Lotus” co-star Meghann Fahy, but I prefer not to discuss our relationship publicly. Navigating life under the gaze of the public can be tricky; some manage to crack the code, while others, like me, might never truly master it.

However, one lesson Woodall has taken from Bridget Jones is not to overthink life too much. For him, celebrity status is something not entirely serious, but bordering on the absurd. If he can’t maintain a sense of humor about it, he might lose his sanity.

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2025-02-15 20:50