Ben Stiller has given fans a glimpse into what they can expect from Ariana Grande’s performance in the upcoming Meet the Parents sequel, Focker-in-Law. The 59-year-old actor expressed his admiration for Grande’s role in the film, describing it as “very unique” and praising her professionalism and talent. Grande, who joined the cast of Focker-in-Law back in May, is set to star alongside Stiller, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, and Blythe Danner in the movie scheduled for release on November 25, 2026.
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During a red carpet interview at the 2025 Emmy Awards, Stiller commended Grande for seamlessly blending into the cast and bringing her own unique character to the film. He highlighted Grande’s versatility as both a singer and an actress, referencing her previous work in productions like Wicked. Stiller expressed his enjoyment of working with Grande and the rest of the cast, including De Niro and Owen Wilson, who made a surprise visit to the set.
In the Meet the Parents franchise, Stiller and De Niro star as Greg Focker and Jack Byrnes, respectively. The series, which began in 2000, follows the comedic mishaps that occur when Greg meets his future in-laws for the first time. Polo and Danner are set to reprise their roles in Focker-in-Law, continuing the family dynamics that have defined the popular film series.
Over the years, the Meet the Parents sequels have introduced new characters played by actors like Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman, who joined the cast as Greg Focker’s parents in the second film, Meet the Fockers. Streisand, in a recent interview, hinted at the possibility of returning for the fourth installment, but jokingly mentioned the need for fair compensation given her previous experiences with the franchise.
The script for Focker-in-Law will be penned by John Hamburg, known for his work on the previous films in the series. The movie is set to hit theatres on November 25, 2026, promising a continuation of the beloved Meet the Parents storyline with a fresh twist. Fans can anticipate a blend of comedy, family dynamics, and the comedic chemistry between the talented ensemble cast.
As production progresses on the highly-anticipated sequel, speculation continues about the involvement of key cast members from the previous films, such as Streisand. Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor shared their enthusiasm for the possibility of Streisand’s return, indicating that discussions are ongoing to potentially bring back the beloved character to the big screen.
Overall, the upcoming Meet the Parents sequel promises to deliver a mix of nostalgia and new comedic moments, with Grande’s performance adding a fresh and “unique” element to the beloved film series. With a talented cast and an experienced writer at the helm, Focker-in-Law is shaping up to be a must-see movie for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.