Leo Woodall opens up about Renée Zellweger and their chemistry in Bridget Jones: Mad about the boy
The actor credits his grounded upbringing for his ability to handle the pressure of joining one of the most beloved romantic comedy franchises in history.
Leo Woodall first grabbed the public’s attention for his role in “The White Lotus” and then made a name for himself as a romantic lead in the Netflix movie “One Day.” By the time he stepped into the role of Roxster in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, he was already one of the most talked-about actors. Leo Woodall’s latest and most prominent show is the Netflix thriller-drama Vladimir, where he stars alongside Rachel Weisz. This show is an adaptation of the Julia May Jonas book and was released on Netflix on March 5, 2026.
What happened
During his conversation with Drew Barrymore, Woodall touched on everything from his childhood to his chemistry with Bridget Jones co-star. Before getting into the details of the film, he shared some personal background, mentioning he has no pets but grew up with guinea pigs. Woodall said he has always wanted a big dog to play with and wrestle. He also mentioned how his older siblings helped keep him grounded, saying he was a shy kid who often spent time alone with his action figures and a favorite toy, a plastic chain he affectionately named Squeaky John.
The discussion eventually turned toward Woodall’s reputation for being a supportive presence for his female co-stars. Barrymore noted that this quality seems to be a hallmark of his career so far. “You also really support and uplift women in your in your job, at work. It comes across when you’re watching the work that you do and put out there. Do you consciously do that?” she asked. Woodall shared that this likely comes from his upbringing by his mother and sister, adding, “I get great joy out of celebrating the sort of great women in my life, old and new.”
When asked about his chemistry with Renée Zellweger, Woodall couldn’t praise her enough. He described the experience of working with Zellweger as being ‘as easy as breathing.’ “She’s just and as I’m sure you know, just like the loveliest, most warm”, he added. Woodall went on and called her a ‘glass of sunshine’ and admired her warm personality and how she brought such a positive vibe to the set.
He mentioned that her willingness to be open helped him adjust to being part of such a big franchise, “Bridget Jones” more easily than he anticipated.
Public opinion on Woodall has been very positive as he takes on a variety of high-profile projects. Many fans have expressed their admiration, with one person saying, “I’ve enjoyed Leo in everything I’ve seen him in, thus far.”
His role in the movie “One Day” is still a popular topic among his followers. One viewer commented, “He was so good in One Day… quite charismatic.” Another person commented on his charming personality, saying, “Can we just talk about his eyes!!!! They get me every time! Such a cutie!!” While some might see this as superficial, it is one of the most prominent features he has.
Why this matters
The chemistry between actors is very important, and if the connection between Woodall and Zellweger hadn’t worked out, it could have hurt the emotional impact of the fourth movie. Given that the story tackles themes of grief and moving on, it was essential for their relationship on screen to feel refreshing for Bridget, and their strong connection made that happen.
The success of this pairing also pushes back against ageism in Hollywood. For too long, the industry has had a double standard; older men are often cast with much younger women without any scrutiny, while the opposite, a younger man with an older woman, can be seen as controversial. By featuring a romance between a woman in her 50s and a man in his 20s, “Mad About the Boy” challenges the notion that there should be a specific age requirement for actors in films.
Stepping into a hugely popular film series can be daunting, but he approached his role with a great attitude and teamwork, which made their on-screen partnership work well. By building such a connection, he played a key role in preserving the franchise’s legacy while also making it feel relevant to new audiences.
