James Corden Channels Harry Potter, Sherlock & More For Bridget Jones's Baby Audition

Although he starred in the first two installments of the Bridget Jones franchise, Hugh Grant didn't return to play Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones's Baby. He was offered the opportunity to reprise the role of the foxy cad, but Grant turned down the offer after he read the script and disappointedly realized the film wouldn't be based on "Mad About the Boy," the third novel in Helen Fielding's beloved comedy series.

After Grant passed on Bridget Jones's Baby, producers created a new male lead, American billionaire Jack Qwant, to compete against Mark Darcy for Jones's affection and cast Patrick Dempsey to play him.

What you may not know is that producers originally wanted the new male lead to be a charismatic British lead like Grant's was and even brought in late-night show host James Corden to audition for the part. Sadly, Corden was hella nervous about the chance to be part of a franchise he adores, so when it came time to read lines with Renée Zellweger, Corden poorly chose to channel famous British characters, including Sherlock, Harry Potter, Gandalf, and Austin Powers, instead of being himself.

After breaking up with Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), Bridget Jones's (Renée Zellweger) "happily ever after" hasn't quite gone according to plan. Fortysomething and single again, she decides to focus on her job as top news producer and surround herself with old friends and new. For once, Bridget has everything completely under control. What could possibly go wrong?

Then her love life takes a turn and Bridget meets a dashing American named Jack (Patrick Dempsey), the suitor who is everything Mr. Darcy is not. In an unlikely twist she finds herself pregnant, but with one hitch…she can only be fifty percent sure of the identity of her baby's father.

The film was directed by Sharon Maguire (Bridget Jones's Diary).

Bridget Jones's Baby is now playing! The Late Late Show with James Corden airs weeknights at 12:35 AM ET/11:35 PM CT on CBS.