Actor Renée Zellweger opens up about what she likes about playing the relatable title character Bridget Jones in the beloved franchise — a role she stepped into when the first movie was released in 2001.

She moved out to Laguna Beach shortly after they started dating,” a source said of Zellweger’s relationship with Ant Anstead. “She drives a minivan and wears an orange

The “Bridget Jones” franchise is long beloved by fans, due in extremely large part to Renée Zellweger’s portrayal of the title character. So, yes, the actress was a resource director Michael Morris turned to a lot while making the fourth film — and there was one particular insight from the Oscar winner that he says unlocked the whole thing.

Renée Zellweger exclusively opened up to PEOPLE at the N.Y.C. premiere of 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Mad About the Boy" starring Renée Zellweger is new on streaming. Find out when and where you can watch it at home.

And just like that, Ejiofor was cast as Mr. Wallaker, a pragmatic science teacher, in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the fourth installment in the beloved romantic comedy franchise starring Renee Zellweger as the titular heroine, which hit Peacock on February 14.

Now that the newest installment has finally dropped, here’s how you can get reacquainted with Bridget and co. at home.

There came a moment when Renée Zellweger (55) had to pause for her own mental health. From 2010 to 2016, she distanced herself from the deceptive Hollywood lights to focus on herself and return as an improved version of herself.