Ariana Grande is set to join the cast of the newly announced sequel to Meet the Parents, a revival of the much-loved comedy franchise that first premiered in 2000. The original film starred Ben Stiller as Greg Focker, an awkward but well-meaning young man meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time, including her intimidating father, Jack, played by Robert De Niro. The success of the first film led to two follow-ups: Meet the Fockers in 2004 and Little Fockers in 2010.
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Fifteen years on, a fourth instalment is officially in development. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the new film will centre on Greg and Pam’s son, who becomes engaged to a bold, unconventional woman that causes concern among the family. Ariana Grande is reportedly cast as the fiancée, while both Stiller and De Niro will reprise their original roles. The returning cast is also expected to include Blythe Danner as Dina Byrnes and Teri Polo as Pam Byrnes-Focker.
The sequel, slated for release on 25 November 2026, brings back much of the original creative team. John Hamburg, who co-wrote the previous films, is returning as writer, director and producer. Jay Roach, the director of the earlier instalments, will now serve as producer. The production is also supported by Jane Rosenthal and De Niro’s Tribeca Productions, with Ben Stiller and John Lesher producing under the Red Hour Films banner.
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Speaking to Variety, Rosenthal expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting the shift in generational roles. “Ben Stiller is now the same age Robert De Niro was when we did the first one,” she said. “His kids have grown up, and now it’s their turn to meet the parents.” While Rosenthal declined to share more details about the plot, the project has generated excitement among fans eager to see a modern twist on a classic family comedy.
