Is it in the stores by you now?

So now both Cameron and Gwynnie are brunettes. Back to auditioning for Rebecca. ;-D

No Cameron is back to being a blonde, actually... ;-) Saw her doing the junket interviews for "Any Given Sunday" (the football movie) and (*hold your hats*) she's the team owner!! I'll bet that's real believable. :-D

Are we sure about Rebecca as a blond in BJ's Diary? She's definately has dark hair in The Edge of Reason. In BJ's Diary, Mark Darcy had a girlfriend, Natasha and I think she's a blond.

(Laura screaming) I KNEW she described Rebecca with dark hair Argh!! What did you do? Run a global search engine through the Telegraph site? Toot toot!! ;-) Now, where oh where did I read she was blonde? (of course, it wasn't the sequel...been checking my mailbox to no avail) ;-) ] Oh yeah, ick! um, right, tomorrow, ugh! *oh hitting self on head* Would you believe that I am rereading Possession and totally forgot? Okay, that's a bad one. How about I was extremely broke and was waiting to get paid? A bit personal, but the truth. Will send off tomorrow. PROMISE. Yeah, I did a search because I remember Rebecca being dark in the columns and a blonde in the new book. (not really screaming, happily screaming 'coz I was right;)) for once! :)

You don't have to send it. I'll be getting my own copy next month. Just wanted to tweak you. Besides, I'm not done with that blonde thing. I've got my hard-copy of the columns sitting on the floor and I won't rest until I've found it!! BTW, I rented The Innocents today. *oohh spooky* ;-)

I seriously think that HF kept forgetting what her hair color was!!! *am trying to call Karen right now*, but to no avail;( ;) She probably couldn't make up her mind WHAT color hair Rebecca had. What if Rebecca/Bridget were identical twins? but were separated at birth? Okay a bit farfetched really. But you know how HF always changed one thing to another! So perhaps we're all correct and HF is wacked out? (I like it;)) The Innocents is spooky!!! the end is just enough to curl your toes and curdle the blood in your veins!

(LauraMM)I seriously think that HF kept forgetting what her hair color was!!! How about this: Rebecca and Bridget both occasionally die their hair.

Illness has forced director Roger Michell ("Notting Hill") to drop out of the Nicolas Cage starrer "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" for Universal Pictures and Working Title Films. The studio and producers have shifted their sights to director John Madden ("Shakespeare in Love"). The dramatic project is slated to go before cameras in April. "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," based on Louis de Bernieres' 1994 best-selling novel, is described as a "Doctor Zhivago"-like love story set on the Greek island of Cephalloni during World War II. Screenwriter Shawn Slovo ("A World Apart") wrote the script's most recent draft, which tells the story of Italian Capt. Antonio Corelli (Cage) who, while stationed on Cephallonia, engages in a heated affair with the local doctor's daughter, causing strong political and personal allegiances to come into play.

Yep, Roger Michell had a heart attack back in October. Hope he is feeling better.

(Tracy) Tho' apart from HB-C am racking brains to think of someone else suitable and British. Since it has to be a name, what about Catherine McCormack (b. 1972) or Tara Fitzgerald (b. 1968)?

or Kate Beckinsale? ( Emma)

The ShowTime section of today's New York Daily News has a full page story about Helen Fielding. The article states that "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" will be published here in the U.S. on February 28th. I'm not sure how fresh this news is, but the article states "The script is almost ready and Fielding expects the lead to be cast in several weeks. Kate Winslet and Minnie Driver has been mentioned as possibilities." The Sunday editions of The Daily News will be carrying excerpts from "The Edge of Reason." The optimist in me wishes that it will pique the curiosity of many (some?) readers to learn about Mark Darcy/Colin Firth, increasing name recognition here in the U.S. ...Well, a girl can hope...

All those names have been bandied about for soooo long. I pray nightly for NO Minnie Driver. Unfortunately, Kate Beckinsale has little name recognition here, except to watchers of public television. Prefer Helen Baxendale...at least the Friends watchers know who she is. ;-)

I think the way in which the casting for this has taken place so publicly--and so protractedly--is bizarre and does not speak well for the project. And, after today's story, whoever is finally chosen will know it's public knowledge that she was second choice--or third, or . . . Karen, what's wrong with Minnie Driver? It's interesting that of all the names bandied about in the press, Working Title's first choice was the youngest--Winslet at 24. Way too young for BJ, IMO. Diaz is 27--too young also and she'd have to gain about 50 pounds.;) No idea if she could pull off the accent. She is a good comic actress, though, did a great job in Being John Malkovich, and is not afraid of looking silly or unglamorous. I'm just waiting for them to shave 10 years off Mark Darcy and cast Joe Fiennes or Jude Law. :-( :-(

Hello! I haven't been here for a while. I am still very interested in CF,but i has been a long time waiting to any of his movies. I finally saw Femme Fatal, Camile and MLSF. I was able to rent MLSF at Blockbuster. Of course I was able to go to the movies to see SIL. We now have a B&N is our area and I was able to get a copy of FEVER PITCH. I was surprise to find it in the SPORTS/SOCCER section LOL. I didn't have any problem getting a copy of BJD. I was hoping the JE would take the role but I understand that timing is an issue. Someone mentioned that co-stars do not appear twice in a project together but what about MEG Ryan and TOM Hanks? THey did two moives togther,maybe they meant TV. Oh well anyway the actress I thought of to play Bridget was Andie MacDowell. I thought she would be a great Bridget. I love Four Weddings. She isn't to old. I am sure someone else around here thought of her. I always saw BRidget as a little over-weight burnette.LOL I got this off a JE fanpage: US Theater Alert - The Real Thing venue has changed to the Barrymore Theater for its Broadway run. It will still preview starting March 29th and open April 17th. You all are so dedicated! Donna

Hi Donna and welcome Here's Empire's writeup of the same info: Winslet Drops Bridget 07/02/2000 Despite being more than two years in pre-production, Bridget Jones's Diary is no closer to finding an actress for the lead role. According to sources, the book's author Helen Fielding has been blamed for the problem - particularly for the decision by Kate Winslet to film Therese Raquin instead. Insiders report that Fielding's insistence that Bridget be played by an unknown forced Winslet - who had been very interested in the role - to take on the Raquin role rather than hanging around waiting for Working Title to get its act together. Producer Eric Fellner said 'I am disppointed that I have not been able to sign up Kate.' But he dismissed rumours of a rift with the star, saying, 'She turned down the role because of a class of schedules.'

Following the discussion as it meanders around the drool boards to its proper home. Cameron Diaz? *gack* *poo* Sorry, but I had to get that out of my system. Mari, if you've read the old posts here, you'll see that general consensus was KW is too young. IMO she has the right nuance of kookiness (don't know if that's a word) and disorganization about her that would capture Bridget appropriately. But I suppose she's better than some of the others mentioned. Age (or lack thereof) doesn't seem to be a big deal--most of the names we've heard bantered about over the years (!) are all under 30. Though at the rate Working Title is going...it seems that casting is their biggest obstacle. Insiders report that Fielding's insistence that Bridget be played by an unknown This keeps coming up again and again, so one has to wonder if there's some truth to it. Though I find it extremely hard to believe this first time author has enough clout to force Winslet out of the role.

(Mari) what's wrong with Minnie Driver? Any limit on the number of reasons? Also, would you prefer the listing organized into two categories: personal and professional? ;-) (Eileen) Though I find it extremely hard to believe this first time author has enough clout to force Winslet out of the role. Exactly. Also, if HF retained the right to make final casting decisions, why is Working Title negotiating with Winslet, Diaz, HB-C and the rest?

(Karen) Any limit on the number of reasons? Also, would you prefer the listing organized into two categories: personal and professional? ;-) Any way you want to dish it is ok by me; I'm not picky.;-) (Eileen) Age (or lack thereof) doesn't seem to be a big deal--most of the names we've heard bantered about over the years (!) are all under 30. Hey, maybe if they start talking to the Olsen twins and Haley Joel Osment now, they'll be just the right age for BJ and MD by the time this thing starts shooting. ;-) This whole thing smells to me. If I'm not mistaken, KW's decision to do Therese Raquin was announced awhile ago--like before Christmas. And I'd love to know who these "insiders" are who seem so anxious to make Helen the fall guy.

(Mari) maybe if they start talking to the Olsen twins and Haley Joel Osment now, they'll be just the right age for BJ and MD by the time this thing starts shooting. LOL. You may be onto something. Actually, the whole thing strikes me as a very informal focus group. Whoever gets the best reaction, wins. Right now they're 'testing' CD (I'm kidding, sorta--the actress they cast as BJ will either make or break this movie).

(Mari)Karen, what's wrong with Minnie Driver? Bring on the air sickness bag! ~~~~~~ Insiders report that Fielding's insistence that Bridget be played by an unknown I believe it....and think she has the clout with Working Title.

(Mari)I'm just waiting for them to shave 10 years off Mark Darcy and cast Joe Fiennes or Jude Law. :-( :-( Hey Mari, if they're considering giving BJ to an Amer. woman, how about Matt Damon for Mark Darcy? Oops, Firthettes, did I say that? Wash my mouth out with carbolic acid! Strike me with lightening! It's just sitting here ... day after day ... listening to your reports from the Donmar ...looking at those pictures with his beautiful arms around you all ... thinking about that smile washing over your flesh ... while I'm back here buried in the snow ... freezing in the dark ... lightyears from the source of happiness ... with nothing to do but listen to Mr. Ripley singing My Funny Valentine over and over and over ... until it just fills up my mind ... and I ... and I ... I just can't go on ... sob!

It'll be Jeremy Northam as MD. You see!

(Allison)It'll be Jeremy Northam as MD. You see! Well, he was a pretty sexy attorney in TWB....and just got an award for it. Do you think the part was not offered to Colin? Or he doesn't want it...or both?

and just got an award for it JN received another Award today -The Variety Club Showbusiness Award for Best Film Actor and wait for it so did JE & SD for Best Stage Actress and Stage Actor for their performances in TRT.

(Cymbeline) Hey Mari, if they're considering giving BJ to an Amer. woman, how about Matt Damon for Mark Darcy? Oops, Firthettes, did I say that? LOL!! He *was* a good Ripley, was he not? ;-) with nothing to do but listen to Mr. Ripley singing My Funny Valentine over and over and over I'll sing with you: Don't change a hair for me Not if you care for me Stay little valentine, stay Each day is valentine's day . . .

grrr...Mark Darcy shouldn't have such big white teeth Mr. Northam, would you please step up into the on deck circle...

(Karen) grrr...Mark Darcy shouldn't have such big white teeth The better to sing to us with. Remember, Monday IS Valentine's Day. Will we be smiling with our hearts, Mari?

Since we always talk about High Fidelity here... The cast: John Cusack....Rob Gordon Iben Hjejle....Laura Jack Black.... Barry Lisa Bonet.... Marie DeSalle Joelle Carter....Penny Joan Cusack....[what else, but Laura's friend] nLiz Sara Gilbert....Dick's girlfriend Todd Louiso....Dick Tim Robbins....Ian Raymond Lili Taylor....Sarah Natasha Wagner....Caroline Catherine Zeta-Jones....Charlie Nicholson Rob and Laura The site, but not much there. http://movies.go.com/highfidelity/index.html

What an odd assortment of characters! Hmmm... I love this book, I hope the movie does it at least some justice!

I read a couple of places accounts from people who had seen test screenings and they say it is very true to the book...except for locations ;-)

I am hoping for a true-to-book sound track. The Fire Engines and all, but I doubt it. NH should have insisted in being music director.

Moon, if they could really find the Live version of the Sex Pistol's version of "God save the Queen", that would be a hoot!

I saw them live in San Francisco, loved it! Johnny Rotten should have made an appearance in the record shop, he is still around.

Rumor (not closely guarded) has it that Bruce Springstein appears in HF.

Presumably, Bruce Springsteen would appear as Marie DeSalle's former boyfriend ("well-known singer-songwriter, let's just pretend it was Lyle Lovett") in flashback - in fact, I guess much of the film will be in flashback.

Isn't the new BJ book released next week in the US? I was wondering if this might (finally) provoke some announcement of the casting of the movie...good tie-in publicity.

Hi Bethan--Edge of Reason comes out here on February 28. There is an interview with Helen in tomorrow's Philadelphia Inquirer. It should be online tomorrow and I can post the URL. Nothing new though; about the film it only says this: "Lately, Fielding has been dividing her time between London and Los Angeles for script consultation on the film version of her first book. The script is almost ready and Fielding expects the lead to be cast in several weeks. Kate Winslet and Minnie Driver have been mentioned as possibilities." She may be doing personal appearances again here as she did with BJD, so we'll keep our eyes open. It would be a good publicity tie-in as you say, Bethan. Staying optimistic, I'm thinking that CF has signed on, but they aren't about to announce any casting until the lead is firmed up. Let's hope!

Here's the URL for the Helen Fielding interview: www.phillynews.com/inquirer/2000/Feb/20/arts_and_entertainment/BRIDGET20.htm

Try this: http://www.phillynews.com/inquirer/2000/Feb/20/arts_and_entertainment/BRIDGET20.htm

The following article appeared in the Australian NW magazine this week. More to do with the Bridget character, but there is a mention of ODB. ~~~~~~~ KATE�S DAYS NUMBERED Author Helen Fielding�s "dithering" over casting in the film version of Bridget Jones�s Diary has dashed hopes of securing Titanic star Kate Winslet for the lead role. The filmmakers were scheduled to start cameras rolling in the next few months, but have failed to secure a female star to take on the role of the neurotic thirtysomething character whose dating and dieting disasters have attracted millions of readers. According to a set insider, Helen was unhappy with Kate, playing the part of Bridget, and has said she wants an unknown, even suggesting she should play the part herself. Kate recently signed on to another film, Terese Raquin, which is a huge setback to Bridget�s production team, Working Title, who had their heart set on the star. "She just got tired of waiting around for Working Title to make up their mind," a film source says. Produced Eric Feliner expressed disappointment at missing out on the A-list actress. "I am disappointed that I have not been able to sign up Kate," he said. "We were in negotiations for the deal, and I am absolutely amazed it didn�t work out with her." Despite Helen�s insistence that an unknown be offered the part, the film�s producers are still gunning for a top name. Frontrunners include Cameron Diaz and Emily Watson, as well as Australia�s Cate Blanchett. British heart-throb Colin Firth is tipped to play Bridget�s love interest.

There was also a HF interview in last Sunday's NYT. The content is similar to the Philly Inquirer article. This one's n/a on line so here's a brief excerpt: NYT O.K., I want to ask you about Africa. HF Please don't ask me where it is. NYT No, I promise. Your first book was set in a refugee camp. How did you learn about life there? HF I started my career at the BBC in television, and I made some documentaries in Ethiopia and Sudan and Mozambique. I was there doing a lot of reporting on the aid business in the mid- to late 80's, so I did spend a lot of time in those refugee camps. NYT So you have done a lot of pretty serious journalism. HF You should see the article I was made to write about the panties on sale at Marks & Spencer. Vintage Helen!

Cathey, sounds like a reworking of the same article from The Times about the loss of Kate Winslet. Used a different word than "tipped" about CF. Wasn't it mooted? The great moot debate. ;-) When will they ever get rolling on this?? Helen as Bridget? I don't think so.

Helen as Bridget? I don't think so. I hope not! I am taking bets on CF playing MD. His agent would be insane not to fight for this role after HFs comments in the new book. I bet Colin has signed but is sworn to secrecy until they can announce the whole cast. Too bad about Kate W, I thought she was perfect.

(Karen) When will they ever get rolling on this?? It's funny, I was deleting some very old posts today and I came across one from April of 1999, quoting an article that stated "filming will begin this ('99) summer." Strange vibes on this one; protracted loggerheads over the script and the casting. Still, CF would be crazy not to do it if offered. Very low risk for him. (Moon) Too bad about Kate W, I thought she was perfect. Me too. I just rented Hideous Kinky, and thought she played contemporary very well. Can't recall seeing her in another contemporary role.

I think we're just too close to it. Many films are in development for years, even put in turnaround by studios, picked up by others and finally make it to the screen. Usually we don't know what's going on, but Bridget is pretty high profile.

NEWSFLASH - According to Teletext today Renee Zelwegger is set to play Bridget, sounds pretty definite, no mention of any other casting or CF. Who is RZ, have been to one of her websites and she seems pretty young, too young for Bridget I would have thought, can't see her and CF together with, oh well.

I have just read a review for "The Batchelor", starring Chris O'Donnell & Renee Zellweger, not a very good review 2 stars only -"and his (C.O'D) teaming with the pouty Zellweger suffers a terminal lack of onscreen chemistry. After seeing this, you'd think he'd have a better chance pulling Batman". I would hate to read this as regards Bridget & Mark Darcy!! I think I am beginning to hope he doesn't play Mark Darcy and why oh why an actress from Texas, I can't believe we don't have a suitable British actress.

Thanks for the news, Ann. Renee is 30 (31 in April), so actually she's older than most of those who had been mentioned. At least she's not stick thin.;-) She's cute, but not a glamor girl type. What a surprise, huh? I've seen her in a few things, and she's always been very good: she was Tom Cruise's girlfriend in Jerry Maguire. Also, she played Meryl Streep's daughter in One True Thing; if you haven't seen that one, do rent it. It's very good and Renee does a great job; there was some Oscar talk for her that year. Also, I saw her in a film called A Price Above Rubies--again, a good job. She's certainly not a conventional choice, but she does play sympathetic and vulnerable very well. She projects strong but sweet. Oh, and she's Jim Carrey's girlfriend in real life.;-)

She's certainly not a conventional choice, but she does play sympathetic and vulnerable very well. She projects strong but sweet. But can she do a British accent? I doubt that. Plus her voice has an annoying tone. I am disappointed. I do not see that match with Colin at all. Thanks for the scoop, Ann!

(Moon) But can she do a British accent? She will once the dialogue coach gets through with her.;-) According to one of the reports, she's already working with one; I'm sure they'll get her a good one.

Well it seems to be pretty definite, it is reported on Ceefax as well and in the Electronic Telegraph, under the heading "Film's "perfect" Bridget Jones is a Texan". under UK News. I am afraid I am with Moon, I can't see it, RZ & Colin. I guess I was hoping for H.B-C., incidentally what do they mean she is too "cold".

Oh my! Renee Zellweger?! This ought to be interesting. Ann: You chose to read the wrong review about her. She's very highly thought of here; considered a very up and coming actress, and intelligent. But The Bachelor was a bottom-of-the-heap type movie. She has that little girly type voice. It's not that annoying (I can think of worse), but wonder how it will sound with an English accent. The mind boggles at that thought. ;-)

Sorry, if this takes a while to load:

I think Renee Zellweger could prove to be a good Bridget. I find her voice to be a bit whiny, but like you guys are saying a voice coach ought to help. (Perhaps GP's coach?) I couldn't picture CF w/ Nia Long, but hey, he might surprise you! (let's hope she doesn't pull out.)

From Ebert's review of Jerry Maguire: There are a couple of moments in ``Jerry Maguire'' when you want to hug yourself with delight. One comes when a young woman stands up in an office where a man has just been fired because of his ethics, and says, yes, she'll follow him out of the company. The other comes when she stands in her kitchen and tells her older sister that she really, truly, loves a man with her whole heart and soul. Both of those moments involve the actress Renee Zellweger, whose lovability is one of the key elements in a movie that starts out looking cynical and quickly becomes a heartwarmer. ******** From his review of One True Thing: Ellen (Renee Zellweger) is bright and pretty but with a subtle wounded look: She has that way of signaling that she's been hurt and expects to be hurt again. And Renee Zellweger, as Streep observed at the Telluride Film Festival, is able to create a place for herself and work inside it, not acting so much as fiercely possessing her character. ************* Don't sell her short.

Ann, the reference to HB-C being "too cold." I think it means she's not a "warm and lovable" type like RZ or KW. HB-C is so finely chiseled in appearance and demeanor, like stone. That's how I'd interpret it.

I've not see RZ in anything, but from the photo above she looks as though she could be be both glamorous/non glamorous as required, and she looks 29/30 -ish, which is okay. With a name like Renee, does she have European parents? She also sounds as though she's a name in Hollywood which I'm beginning to realise really matters! Ann, I also wondered why, according to the Telegraph report, H B-C was considered too "cold". She can do zany roles, and very well too! The Telegraph also says that CF has been tipped as "the love interest, as an in-joke. In the diary the man in her life is named Darcy in honour of Firth in P&P." Hope the selection criteria are based on more than an "in-joke"...like looks, acting ability etc!! But I hope he's offered this and signs (must have happened by now, surely?). Without being too negative, it seems to be his only chance of playing the romantic lead in a mainstream Hollywood movie, rather than cuckolds and baddies! I wonder who'll play Daniel Cleever...I think this role may also go to a Hollywood actor. Don't see CF getting second billing (maybe third).

Ellen (Renee Zellweger) is bright and pretty but with a subtle wounded look: She has that way of signaling that she's been hurt and expects to be hurt again. Sounds like Bridget. I'd like to see this one. RZ sounds like a good choice!

Story is now hitting the other news sites. From the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/newsid_655000/655190.stm No mention of other casting. While she looked glamorous in the above pic, she's really very normal looking. Cute as a button type. And here's the pic:

Ihad just read the news on Ceefax, so came over here to tell you all but too late! It seems to me that this is a Hollywood movie and the chances of CF being cast are slim unless HF really does have a say. Surely they must go for some big name to draw the crowds and if they do not have a megastar to play Bridget, surely they will have to have one to play MD? Otherwise who will go and see it in the US?

Maybe, I guess that if CF is to play MD, then they will have met and if he likes her then so do I.

Wow! Great newsflash, Ann. Who'd have thought? RZ was very good in JM, IMHO, and actually wrung some pathos out of a dire script in Empire Records. Trivia: She made FHM magazine's 100 Sexiest Women List (which must have been on the strength of JM only, where she didn't exactly play a sex-bomb) so she may have a certain part of the UK audience locked up. Good choice, I think, but probably makes it a little CF's chances a little slimmer.

From the Guardian: American actress Renee Zellweger has signed to play single thirtysomething Bridget Jones in Universal's upcoming adaptation of the bestselling "diary" by British journalist Helen Fielding. But what is v.good news for Zellweger looks to be a snub for the crop of homegrown actresses previously said to be in the running. Ever since the project was announced, industry insiders predicted that the role of scatty, chain-smoking Ms Jones would be fought out between the likes of Kate Winslet, Minnie Driver and Alex Kingston. Hailing from the small town of Katy, Texas, the statuesque Zellweger initially looks miles away from Fielding's heroine - more Lone Star than London lonely-heart. But the thirty-year old actress won plaudits for her role as Tom Cruise's love interest in 1996's Jerry Maguire and is generally held to be one of Hollywood's most underrated players. She will next be seen in Neil Labute's Nurse Betty and the Farrelly Brothers' comedy Me, Myself and Irene opposite long-term partner Jim Carrey. Zellweger is said to be consulting a voice coach in order to master a London accent. Universal already have a finished script, co-scripted by Fielding alongside her friend, Notting Hill scribe Richard Curtis and experienced screenwriter Andrew Davies. A director has yet to be announced. ~~~~~ Statuesque? I was wondering about that. Had the impression she was on the short side because of the Tom Cruise casting and that worried me re: CF. Director: Is Shazzer out?

I don't know if just the casting of an American (which we all seemed to think was going to happen) will mean CF has no chance or a slimmer one. The main characters are Bridget, Shazzer and Jude, followed by Daniel. Mark Darcy kind of walks on and off. It's not like a Notting Hill, where the film centers around a single woman and man. That whole theory gets thrown out if the film includes the sequel. ;-)

I think if AD is still involved, then there is a good chance CF will be MD.

True enough, Karen. I stand corrected. Thinking back to Sliding Doors, the only other American in the cast apart from GP played an American (Jeanne Tripplehorn) so maybe they balance an accent-coached lead with real Brits. Wouldn't surprise me if Shazzer was dumped. Sounds like Working Title are desperately fighting against HF's vision of a small movie all the way (mind you with HF as the star and her best friend directing, you'd probably have got all the shots of CF you want to see)

There appears to be lots more behind the scenes about this story. THR has an item about Kate Winslet set to star in another film, called Enigma (co-written by Stoppard), set to begin this spring...before the birth of her first child. So could it be that she couldn't commit to Bridget due to the delays and her pregnancy? Sounds like the other filme Therese Raquine is well off into the future for her...not immediate as was intimated.

(Mark) True enough, Karen. I stand corrected. Ha ha! When I was writing my previous post, I hadn't even read yours yet. I think I was responding to Allison's comment. ;-)

I didn't even know that KW was pregnant! I am soooooo behind in the times (I'm going to be an auntie again!!! well it's better than my telling you I'm going to be a mommy again;)) I still think a British cast with an American lead is not bad. (HF wanted unknown, and well, RZ is unknown to you Brits!;) Sharon Corr would've been a good BJ, she of the Corrs and was in Evita. (She's Irish.)

Variety's Michael Fleming says Shazz is still the director: The character is as popular in London as Ally McBeal is in the U.S. Universal will distribute. Pic is being directed by Sharon Maguire from a screenplay by "Notting Hill" scribe Richard Curtis, Fielding and Andrew Davies.

(Karen), I don't know if just the casting of an American (which we all seemed to think was going to happen) will mean CF has no chance or a slimmer one. The main characters are Bridget, Shazzer and Jude, followed by Daniel. Mark Darcy kind of walks on and off. It's not like a Notting Hill, where the film centers around a single woman and man. Good point. But everyone knows CF is Mr. Darcy and that should count for something. My bet is still on!

All this news flooding in...quite exciting! Thanks all! KW seems to have opted for "Enigma" rather than BJD. She must play the girl friend who goes missing mid-way (and is later found to have been murdered). It's not a very star-ry role (although very serious!) and not very demanding. But I would have thought that if she's pregnant she couldn't play BJ in the summer. I didn't think KW "was" Bridget anyway. IMHO KZ is a better (and more bankable choice). Mark, I think your comment on "Sliding Doors" is very relevant. I think BJD The Movie will have an Anglo-American balance, with maybe Daniel played by a US actor (he could be an American Rhodes scholar type), and Jude, Shazzer and Mark by Brits, and the lesser supporting cast by Brits as well. As Karen says, it's not "Notting Hill" with an obvious male lead role with lots of screen time, and so I don't see why CF, despite the fact that he's not Hollywood bankable (and why not, I ask!), couldn't play a crucial but supporting role. BJD is very much an ensemble piece. What's happened to Sharon McGuire then? Sounds as though there's been some blood-letting behind the scenes. Although I did wonder if a project like this could be given to a first-time director.

They have got Bridget! NEW YORK (Variety) Renee Zellweger, who stole Tom Cruise's heart in the 1996 hit ``Jerry Maguire,'' will star in the upcoming comedy ``Bridget Jones' Diary,'' an adaptation of the Helen Fielding bestseller about a single girl in her 30s. The character is as popular in London as Ally McBeal is in the United States. Universal Pictures will distribute the film. Zellweger is working with a dialogue coach to play the role with a British accent. The Working Title picture will be directed by Sharon Maguire from a screenplay by ``Notting Hill'' scribe Richard Curtis, Fielding and Andrew Davies. Zellweger will next be seen starring with Jim Carrey in ''Me, Myself & Irene,'' directed by the Farrelly brothers, and starring with Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock in the Neil LaBute-directed ``Nurse Betty.'' Big big big surprise to me!!! She is not a British actress! Oh well, now who will be Mark Darcy? Another surprise, I guess ;-(

Bethan, Sharon Maguire is still in, per my Variety, Michael Fleming article.

re Therese Raquine directed by David Leaveux?,it must be in the far distant future because he is going to be tied up with The Real Thing on Broadway until August.

Karen, if they do go by the sequel,The Edge of Reason, then Daniel had quite a small role and I think MD is by far the bigger role - (let's hope Jim Carrey doesn't play MD!)

Yes, that's what I meant. If they incorporate the sequel, then the MD role is far more important and they'd want/need a bigger name for it. If they stick to the first book, then CF still has a shot.

If CF isn't MD, then all I can see is I now know hor Michael Crawfrod fans felt, he is the Phantom of the Opera!! as is Colin Mark Darcy!!

RZ is darling....I thought she and Cuba Gooding were the best thing in JM why oh why an actress from Texas, I can't believe we don't have a suitable British actress. C'mon.....Texas can breed good actors too;-) I have always said two British actors with two British accents would send this film to the Art House genre.

Just a few questions and thoughts: Is BJD really considered a "Hollywood" movie, and if so, why? It's the same group that produced Notting Hill and that's considered a British movie, right? "If" there was any pressure to hire a "name" actress, I feel it didn't come from any American source. The British actresses mentioned (Winslet, Driver, Watson, Bonham-Carter) along with Blanchett and Diaz are all much better known to the average moviegoer here in the U.S. than Zellweger is, and frankly, any of them would have been considered much more "bankable" choices if that were the criterion. It seems to me that Helen may have gotten her wish to cast a (relative) unknown (relative to the other ladies mentioned). Finally, here's a lighthearted reason to feel "Renee is ok"--the tabloids here had a field day calling her fat after last year's Oscar's, just because she wore a dress that showed she had (shudder!) hips like a real woman; and (horrors!)a stomach like a real woman; and (no!) breasts like a real woman.;-)

Well, well, news at last! I agree with Laura and Karen, RZ is a good choice. Renee is talented, seems to be well regarded and is able to satisfy divergent criteria: she's well known in the US (good for 'the money') and unknown in the UK (good for the author). I thought her younger than 30 but the films I've seen her in are a few years old. Statuesque? I agree with Karen, she hardly seems tall. I recall her presenting at an awards show, decked out in an awful dress and heels so high she could hardly walk (last year's Oscars??). As for the elusive Mark, I expect we'll hear something soon. (let's hope Jim Carrey doesn't play MD!) Good God, Ann! I'm having a seizure! *twitch, twitch* ;-P

Evelyn, I have nothing against Texas or Texan actresses, I am sure it is and they are lovely, its just that I would have thought we had enough bankable talent in this country to play the definitive Brit girl.

(Mari) Is BJD really considered a "Hollywood" movie, and if so, why? It's the same group that produced Notting Hill and that's considered a British movie, right? I agree (at least that's how things look on this side of the pond). I do hope, however, they don't turn BJD into another 4 Weddings/Notting Hill (am getting those Hugh-induced shivers, having just recovered from seizure induced by words 'Jim Carrey' mentioned in same sentence as 'MD'). the tabloids here had a field day calling her fat after last year's Oscar's, just because she wore a dress that showed she had (shudder!) hips like a real woman; and (horrors!)a stomach like a real woman; and (no!) breasts like a real woman.;-) It was at the Oscars, then. Personally, I don't recall that she looked fat, but the dress was fugly and she walked as though she had a broom stuck--well, you get the picture. Good thing BJ wears 'kitten heels' (assuming kitten height is less than 4 inches). (Ann) its just that I would have thought we had enough bankable talent in this country to play the definitive Brit girl. I think most of us had one Brit or another in mind; as soon as KW pulled out and CD was mentioned, it seemed clear they were thinking American.

(Mari) Is BJD really considered a "Hollywood" movie, and if so, why? I DON'T think it will be even though Working Title is owned by Universal. I recall the articles at the time said that WT boys' agreement gave them quite a bit of autonomy. However, I DO think BJD will be in the 4Weddings/Notting Hill mold because: (a) 4 Weddings was a hit and made a lot of money (b) Notting Hill was a hit and made a lot of money (c) Working Title wants hits and to make a lot of money

(Karen) (a) 4 Weddings was a hit and made a lot of money (b) Notting Hill was a hit and made a lot of money (c) Working Title wants hits and to make a lot of money True, true, true! 'Mold' is one thing, 'duplicate' is another. Come to think of it, didn't you start a "Bridget goes to 4 Weddings and a Funeral in Notting Hill" script some time ago, Karen?

...and lest you forget: (d) Universal desperately wants hits and to make lots of money "Bridget goes to 4 Weddings and a Funeral in Notting Hill" script *hee hee* I forgot about that one. Will have to go searching in the older messages for it. ;-)

Reposting from #1158 (6/8/99) (Eileen)Since *none* of us has seen the screenplay (correct me if I'm wrong) Let's see, if Richard Curtis is now involved with the Andrew Davies-amended script, do we really *need* to see the screenplay? I suppose it will go like this: Boy, with floppy hair, meets...oops, sorry... start again Girl (model-like in appearance) meets guy with floppy hair at wedding, funeral, bookstore, parents' friends' New Years Day buffet, etc., or some such trendy locale. Boy makes lasting impression on girl due to ugly sweater and they fall in deep like although neither knows what to make of it. We will because of a camera shot of boy giving girl a LOOK! Each goes own way, but meets up with other at other trendy spots. We will see boy taking a leisurely bath and going for a dip in a pond. Boy will stammer a lot and flutter eyelids, and be endearingly self-deprecating. Years will pass and they keep meeting and we will be suitably aggravated. BTW, there will be loads of colorful characters for the supporting cast. Tom will be played by Simon Callow. Mark will have a colorfully vulgar Welsh co-worker named Spike. Boy and girl will finally get together at end and while credits roll we will see pictures and/or snippets of their life together. The End Forgot to describe boy's first encounter with girl at Una's Turkey Curry Buffet. Boy will spill curried turkey all over girl, whilst muttering "bollocks." Boy will then show everyone his manliness by snuffing out lit candle with fingers. Have heard that Curtis has changed Mark's girlfriend's name from Natasha to Duckface.

The British actresses mentioned (Winslet, Driver, Watson, Bonham-Carter) along with Blanchett and Diaz are all much better known to the average moviegoer here in the U.S. than Zellweger is Disagree....RZ like CD is v. popular with the cineplex crowd. Watson, Bon-Carter, Blanchett..popular with older crowd..you know, the ones who wait to rent the videos;-) ~~~~~~ we had enough bankable talent in this country to play the definitive Brit girl. Bankable in the UK..If you want to show the film only there. Hey, Vivian Leigh played the definitive southern belle...CB just played a perfect Long Island housewife....these guys are actors.

Ann, I have nothing against Texas or Texan actresses, I am sure it is and they are lovely, its just that I would have thought we had enough bankable talent in this country to play the definitive Brit girl. I have to agree with Ann. Since I live in Texas, I love Texans, but I think there are some very talented bankable British actresses who would have been good in this role. I like RZ but have never seen her as Bridget. Her last movie, The Bachelor, bombed so I don't think she is that much of a big draw on her own. (Evelyn) RZ like CD is v. popular with the cineplex crowd. Watson, Bon-Carter, Blanchett..popular with older crowd..you know, the ones who wait to rent the videos;-) Oh please, It's bad enough I have to face that big birthday this year. Now I have count myself part of the older rent the video crowd. Just because you are part of that fun-loving Cineplex crowd, Evelyn,no reason to call the rest of us "old". :-))

Sorry about the italics. It's been so long since I posted I screwed it up. Someone fix me please if this does not get it right.

closing the italics tag bankable talent in this country to play the definitive Brit girl. Aside from KW and possibly KST (whose not at all suitable for the part), the answer is no, not bankable enough for audience they're intending. Face it, folks, not everyone is like us, i.e., watches and knows who the actors are on Masterpiece Theatre. Personally, I think Renee Zellweger is an inspired choice. And I wouldn't blame The Bachelor on her. It came and went and she's untainted. There are more raves about her than boos. She won the National Board of Review's award for Best Breakthrough Artist in a Supporting Role for Jerry McGuire and was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role by the Screen Actors Guild (her peers).

Another point is that since it is an ensemble-cast type movie. There is space for Hugh Grant as Daniel C, H B-C as Shazz, Minnie D as Jude, Ben Afflect as Richard, Jim Carrey as the handyman from hell, Cameron D as Mag...and of course ODB as MD.And, for Rebecca how about Liz Hurley?

*horrors* Where was your winky winky?

Hey, anything to get ODB in the picture. ;-)

From Empire0nline, the producer tells why she had the edge; cutie Ren�e Zellweger has nabbed the role. Producer Eric Fellner tells today's Telegraph newspaper that Renee won the much coveted part thanks to her gift for comedy, which gave her the edge over British contenders. Those drowning their sorrows in buckets of Chardonnay and cigs at their local wine bar include Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson and Kate Winslet, who were all tipped for the part.

KST (whose not at all suitable for the part), the answer is no, not bankable enough for audience they're intending. And KST after The Horse Whisperer and Random Hearts...both which were not exactly great successes...I doubt if she could carry a movie. And I'm sorry, I just can't see Colin Firth and Emily Watson busing them into the cineplexes.

Thanks for the news, Ann, it is so good to know this movie has had a good push forwards. I didn't know who RZ was, but she seems lovely, and if a good actress, then it'll be alright and I probably watch the movie ven if - o horror! - ODB should not be in it. I have faith that he will be, though. Why? It's a mystery ;-)