Bridget Jones Baby: Why is Hugh Grant absent from the film?

Bridget Jones Baby: Why is Hugh Grant absent from the film?



Daniel Cleaver, essential seducer of the saga

From Bridget Jones newspaper (2001), Daniel Cleaver is a key figure in the saga. Interpreted by Hugh Grant, this cynical seducer and manipulator embodies the opposite of the seriousness and reserved Mark Darcy (Colin Firth).

If Bridget falls quickly under his spell in the first film, he also discovers his numerous infidelities and his inability to commit himself. In Bridget Jones: age of reason (2004), Daniel Cleaver tries again to seduce heroin, despite his relationship with Darcy, who added spices to the love triangle that made the success of the franchise.

With his pungent humor and his British charm, Cleaver was an essential element of the first two parts. His absence in Bridget Jones Baby So surprised many fans, especially because his antagonism with Mark Darcy was one of the most effective comic and dramatic sources of the saga.

An artistic disagreement on the scenario

After the success of the first two components, the production naturally planned to bring together the emblematic trio: Renée Zellweger (Bridget Jones), Colin Firth (Mark Darcy) and Hugh Grant (Daniel Cleaver). However, during preliminary discussions, Hugh Grant expressed reservations about the evolution of his character in the proposed scenario. He said he could not integrate Daniel Cleaver in a consistent way in the plot, saying that his role had not placed in this new story. Faced with this artistic disagreement, the actor preferred to withdraw from the project.

The absence of Hugh Grant led writers to rethink the dynamics of the film. To fill this void, a new male character was introduced: Jack Qwant, played by Patrick Dempsey. This American billionaire brings a new dimension to the love triangle, offering a refreshing contrast with the character of Mark Darcy. This narrative reorientation has made it possible to renew the interest of history while maintaining the spirit of the previous parts.

Despite his absence in Bridget Jones BabyHugh Grant recently resumed his role as Daniel Cleaver in the fourth work of the saga, Bridget Jones: crazy for himCurrently in cinemas. After being moved by the scenario, the actor even contributed to the writing of some scenes to reintegrate his character convincingly.

Source: Cine Serie

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