Actress Renee Zellweger poses at the 21st annual ELLE Women in Hollywood Awards in Los Angeles, California
Renee Zellweger thinks fashion and styles of actresses in red carpet events are taken way more seriously than they should. She thinks fashion is half of the fun of these events and should be covered but said she could not see the point of criticising how female artists choose to express themselves. IN PHOTO: Los Angeles, UNITED STATES Renee Zellweger poses at the 21st annual ELLE Women in Hollywood Awards in Los Angeles, California October 20, 2014. Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

Renee Zellweger looks unrecognisable in the photos captured from the set of her new film “Bridget Jones Baby.” The actress’ appearance seemed to have dramatically changed again after she stunned people with her wrinkle-free face at Elle magazine’s 21st annual “Women in Hollywood Awards” last year.

The actress has stepped back into the spotlight once again as she returns to portray the titular role in the third “Bridget Jones” film. Photos of Zellweger looking quite different from her transformation last year have been released online while production on the sequel continues in London.

New Idea magazine has shared several shots of the actress on the set of “Bridget Jones Baby.” One photo shows the 46-year old Zellweger looking a little older. Fine lines are evident on her forehead unlike her red carpet appearance at Elle magazine’s party in October, where her face was devoid of any signs of aging. Another photo shared by the publication shows Zellweger looking like a whole different person.

According to Fox News, the actress’ facial transformation has drawn concerns from fans of the “Bridget Jones” film franchise. The alterations reportedly made Zellweger, who portrayed the lead character since 2011, look totally un-Bridget-Jones-like.

Sarah Maria, a body image expert said the success of the third instalment would depend on how the fans have accepted the actress’ transformation. If they are “offended” by Zellweger’s unrecognisable looks then it would reportedly “be a problem for the continuation of the franchise.”

Meanwhile, pop culture expert Cate Meighan told Fox News that “Bridget Jones Baby” can add in a few dialogue to explain Zellweger’s change of facial appearance. “One perfectly placed, quick-witted line” would reportedly help with the actress’ face not becoming a distraction for moviegoers.

“Bridget is known for her sharp tongue so one simple reference to sometimes looking like a totally different person would put the whole issue to rest. Sometimes people don't need an entire dialogue about an obvious issue, they just need a moment of acknowledgement and then everyone moves on,” she said.

Zellweger had not mentioned surgery when asked about her dramatic facial transformation during a previous interview with People. Instead, the actress credited her “happy, more fulfilling life” for her change of appearance.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES