Jean Smart is set to join an impressive ensemble cast in the upcoming film, ‘The Families Stone,’ which serves as a sequel to the beloved 2005 holiday dramedy, ‘The Family Stone.’ The announcement, made by Searchlight Pictures on September 23, comes shortly after Smart achieved a historic milestone at the 2026 Emmy Awards, winning the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for each season of her critically acclaimed show, ‘Hacks.’
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The studio’s Instagram post welcoming Smart featured an animated graphic declaring, “The Family Stone has a new guest,” revealing a photo of the actress. Smart’s involvement in this highly anticipated sequel follows an announcement from Searchlight just weeks prior, indicating that ‘The Families Stone’ is already in production and will be released soon.
Set twenty years after the events of the original film, much of the original cast is expected to return, including Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, and Sarah Jessica Parker, among others. The storyline will centre on the Stone family reuniting for Christmas, confronting unexpected challenges related to love and family dynamics. However, details about the character Smart will portray remain undisclosed.
It is notable that Diane Keaton, who played matriarch Sybil Stone in the first film, will not reprise her role following her passing from pneumonia at the age of 79 in October 2025. The original film, which featured Keaton prominently, revolved around the tensions between her character and Parker’s, as they navigated family relations during the Christmas season. Keaton’s character’s battle with breast cancer also formed a significant part of the narrative.
Reports indicate that ‘The Families Stone’ begins with the Stone family gathering once more for the holidays, a time marked by the absence of Sybil. A synopsis reveals that the family faces an unexpected twist when their father, portrayed by Craig T. Nelson, introduces a woman he has fallen in love with to the rest of the family. The film is scheduled to begin production in New York in the autumn.
Jean Smart’s career has flourished in recent years, with her last film appearance being in the 2022 drama, ‘Babylon.’ Besides her work in film, she maintained a prominent presence on television — notably through her role in ‘Hacks,’ where she played a seasoned stand-up comedian. The show concluded its fifth and final season in May, with Smart making a remarkable impact during her tenure.
At the Emmy Awards on September 14, Smart became the first actor to win the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for every season of her show, a significant achievement within the context of Emmys history. While previous actors such as Candice Bergen and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have won multiple Emmys, Smart’s victory stands out for its unprecedented result across consecutive seasons.
During her Emmy acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to a variety of supporters, including Universal, HBO, and her family, while dedicating her award to the creators of ‘Hacks.’ This moment highlighted the strong connections behind the scenes that contributed to the success of the series. Her heartfelt message resonated with audiences, as she reflected on the rewarding journey her career has taken.
As excitement builds for ‘The Families Stone,’ fans of the original film and newcomers alike eagerly await more updates. Although a specific release date has yet to be announced, the return of beloved characters and the promise of fresh narrative arcs are sure to draw attention during the holiday season.
With Smart onboard and the creative forces of the original team behind the sequel, ‘The Families Stone’ is poised to capture the warmth, drama, and laughter that characterised its predecessor. As production begins in New York, this family-centric film promises to explore themes of love, loss, and connection that resonate during the festive period.