Hollywood icons Robert De Niro and Ariana Grande are set to share the screen in the much-anticipated film *Focker-in-Law*, which is scheduled for release on 25th November. This marks the fourth instalment in the beloved *Meet the Parents* franchise, where Grande will join an esteemed cast that includes De Niro, Ben Stiller, Blythe Danner, and Teri Polo.
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During an appearance on the *Today* show on 25th August, De Niro reflected on his experience working with Grande, expressing enthusiasm for her performance in the upcoming sequel. However, he admitted that he has not yet seen her portrayal of Glinda in the highly celebrated *Wicked* films, which have been a cinematic highlight over the past two years.
When asked about his collaboration with Grande, De Niro responded with warmth, stating, “Of course I’ve met her, I worked with her. Yeah, she’s terrific. She’s great.” The actor indicated that he is keen to see her in *Wicked* but is waiting to do so with one of his daughters, though he did not specify which one.
De Niro, a father of seven, has a diverse family which includes children ranging in age from 54 to just recently welcomed Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, who was born in 2023. His commitment to family life seems to extend even into his film-watching habits, showcasing a relatable side of the often larger-than-life actor.
Grande is making a significant transition to film acting with her role in *Focker-in-Law*, having already made waves with her portrayal in *Wicked*. In the new film, she plays the character Olivia Jones, a triathlete who is poised to become engaged to Henry Focker, portrayed by Skyler Gisondo. Henry is the son of Greg Focker, played by Ben Stiller, and the grandson of De Niro’s character, Jack Byrnes.
The film’s trailer, released in April, reveals comedic tension between Jack and Greg, a recurring theme throughout the franchise, as Olivia’s relationship with Henry gradually brings her closer to the family. This sense of rivalry, coupled with the dramatic personalities of both men, promises to deliver the trademark humour the series is known for.
During the interview, De Niro also provided an update on his youngest daughter, Gia, discussing the prospect of showing her his classic appearance on *Sesame Street*. He noted that she may not fully recognise him from back then, given the considerable time gap, and hinted at the fun he has sharing his past experiences with his children.
As anticipation builds for *Focker-in-Law*, fans can also look forward to De Niro’s new film, *The Whisper Man*, which will be available for streaming on Netflix starting 28th August. This latest offering adds to the legendary actor’s already impressive body of work, showcasing his continued relevance in the film industry.
With *Focker-in-Law*, audiences can expect a blend of heartfelt moments and comedic escapades, proving that both De Niro and Grande are adept at engaging viewers in different ways. As the release date approaches, both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike will be eagerly waiting to see how this new duo will impact the beloved series.