At the 78th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards, I spoke with director Michael Morris about taking the reins of one of the most beloved romantic comedy franchises of the last 25 years — Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.
For Morris, the experience was deeply personal.
“I grew up watching Bridget Jones,” he shared. “I was young and in London at the same time that Bridget was young and in London.”
Stepping into a franchise that has spanned a quarter-century — and working with returning stars Renée Zellweger and Colin Firth — made the project both surreal and emotional. With this installment serving as something of a closing chapter, the weight of history was present in every scene.
Honoring the Past
When asked if he incorporated elements from the original film, Morris revealed that the team intentionally layered the movie with visual callbacks and Easter eggs.
“We laced this film with all kinds of references,” he explained — from iconic costume pieces to carefully recreated shot compositions.
Fans will notice subtle nods, including familiar wardrobe moments and mirrored framing choices from earlier films. It’s nostalgia with intention.
Capturing the Feeling
Beyond the visual details, Morris described his directing philosophy in a way that resonates across genres.
“Sometimes you want the frame to tell the whole story,” he said. “But most of the time, my job is just to be present and feel what they’re giving me.”
Watch the full interview with Michael Morris above.
