Dermot Mulroney Reveals the “Family Stone” Sequel Will Be Called “The Families Stone”, Says ‘Everyone’s Up for Returning’

A sequel to the beloved 2005 holiday film *The Family Stone* appears to be in development, much to the delight of fans. Dermot Mulroney, one of the original cast members, recently revealed on *The Tangle* podcast that he has read the screenplay and confirmed that many of the actors are keen to reprise their roles.

The sequel, tentatively titled *The Families Stone*, will feature the return of notable stars, including Luke Wilson, Rachel McAdams, and Craig T. Nelson. Mulroney, who portrayed the character Everett Stone in the first film, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Everyone’s up for returning. I can be on record.” This statement has ignited excitement among fans of the original film, which has become a staple in holiday cinema since its release nearly two decades ago.

Diane Keaton, who played the matriarch Sybil Stone, passed away in October 2025 at the age of 79. According to Mulroney, it was following her death that writer-director Thomas Bezucha chose to revisit the storyline. “I think he wrote it very quickly. I’ve read it. It’s brilliant, and a lot of the actors have said yes,” he revealed. The impact of Keaton’s role was profound, with Mulroney stating, “She was so impactful on all of our lives in that mother part in that life-altering movie.”

Despite the excitement surrounding the sequel, the absence of Keaton looms large over the project. Rachel McAdams, who played Meredith Morton in the original film, expressed mixed feelings about the sequel during a red carpet event. While she is “so excited” about the film, she acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the project given the loss of Keaton.

Bezucha previously indicated that he had begun working on ideas for the sequel before Keaton’s passing. In a conversation with CNN, he described her loss as a significant emotional challenge, referring to it as “a blow on a tender bruise already.” He has noted that even before her death, he had been reminiscing about the character in their shared “house”—a metaphor for the familial gathering depicted in the film.

Mulroney subtly teased some of the narrative developments that will arise in the sequel. He cheekily remarked, “You won’t believe how s— went down the last 20 years for the Stones.” Such remarks have left fans eager to learn more about the stories and challenges that the beloved characters may face.

In addition to his connection to this anticipated sequel, Mulroney continues to engage with audiences through his work in other projects. He has recently been featured in *Chicago Fire* and is set to appear in forthcoming titles such as *November 1963* and *The Hunting Wives*.

As news of *The Families Stone* circulates, fans of the original holiday classic await further details, including potential release dates and additional cast confirmations. The response from the original cast and crew suggests a strong dedication to honouring the legacy of the first film while embarking on new narratives that continue the Stones’ story.

With a mix of anticipation and nostalgia, the adaptation of *The Family Stone* seems poised to captivate a new generation, while paying homage to the treasured performances of its original cast. As this sequel unfolds, the filmmakers face the dual challenge of celebrating the past while forging a fresh narrative that resonates with both old and new audiences alike.