Patrick Dempsey has really moved on from his role as Dr. McDreamy in the medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," and the actor is now focused on moving ahead with new projects. His first big role after the television series is with the film "Bridget Jones's Baby," which would have Renee Zellweger reprise her role as the clumsy yet lovable British publishing executive Bridget Jones and Colin Firth as her love interest Mark Darcy.
Jones will be struggling with motherhood as she enters her 40s, but the rest of the plot details are being held under close wraps by British production powerhouse Working Title co-chiefs Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, reports Deadline.
Hugh Grant will not be back in the third "Bridget Jones" film as the adorable rogue Daniel Cleaver, so Dempsey might be playing another rival to Darcy for the affections of Bridget. "Bridget Jones Diary" director Sharon Maguire, who helmed the 2001 film will be back again for the third installment.
Moreover, the film will not be based on Helen Fielding's latest novel "Mad About the Boy," which has Bridget juggling motherhood all by herself since Darcy is already dead. For the film, Fielding wrote the initial drafts of the screenplay with David Nicholls ('One Day').
Meanwhile, Longtime Working Title head Debra Heyward is producing alongside Bevan and Fellner. Universal will co-finance the film with Miramax and StudiCanal.
Production is set to begin soon on October 2 in the UK.
When his character was killed off in "Grey's Anatomy," Dempsey said that he is excited to take on new roles, but he was also worried that people are so used to seeing him play McDreamy that they will not accept him playing a different character.
"I want to try something different," he told Entertainment Weekly. "But is Derek so identifiable that I can't go on and be someone else?"
While he was still portraying McDreamy, Dempsey ventured into the big screen once or twice by taking on the male lead roles in movies such as "Enchanted" with Amy Adams and "Made of Honor" with Michelle Monaghan.
Dempsey just split with his wife of 15 years Jillian earlier this January, and that is why his now freed-up schedule will give him more time to bond with his three children - 13-year-old Talula and eight-year-old twin sons Darby and Sullivan.
If not spending time with them, then Dempsey will also be spending time pursuing his other passion - race car driving. "I'm focusing now on developing and racing and being a father to my children," said Dempsey. "Those are my priorities."