Renee Zellweger to Pack on the Pounds for Third Installment of "Bridget Jones"

Photo: Zellweger before and after Bridget Jones' second film

She said she was reluctant to do it again, but apparently, all it took was a few years distance and some hefty compensation. Renee Zellweger, who famously packed on the pounds to play Bridget Jones twice - first in "Bridget Jones' Diary" in 2001, and again in 2004 for "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" - will try her hand at the role for a third time.

It is rumored that the film will take inspiration from the series of newspaper columns written by Helen Fielding in 2005, which saw a 40-something Bridget Jones becoming concerned about having a child.

According to Variety, Working Title Films is developing the project. Production is slated to begin in late 2010. By the time the film actually hits theaters, it will have been a decade since Zellweger, now 40, first slipped into the infamous granny panties.

For the first two films, Renee put on more than 30lbs to play the role, and then quickly shed the extra weight afterwards. That kind of drastic move, however, has her concerned, especially after health professionals warned her that it was dangerous and could have long-term health effects.

Now the big question is.... will the filmmakers be able to sign on Hugh Grant and Colin Firth as well?