For 24 years, the former singletons-turned-soulmates have danced the awkward waltz of love across the span of four films — Bridget Jones's Diary (2001), Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), Bridget Jones's Baby (2016),

"We've been forging this friendship for over 25 years together… through this shared journey," the actress tells PEOPLE For Renée Zellweger, reuniting with Colin Firth and Hugh Grant on the set of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy was a bittersweet experience.

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.