11-06-2025
Ariana Grande Joins ‘Meet The Parents' Sequel At Universal; Fall 2026 Release Date Set
Following the success of Wicked Part 1, Ariana Grande and Universal have found their next project to team on. And its another huge IP for the studio. Sources tell Deadline that the Oscar nominee and Grammy winner is set to join the cast of the next installment in the Meet the Parents franchise. Sources also tell Deadline that film will bow on November 25, 2026.
John Hamburg is directing, with the original cast including Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo and Blythe Danner returning to star. Hamburg, who co-wrote the three previous Meet the Parents movies, is also penning this script.
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Plot details are being kept inside the circle of trust as are details behind who Grande will play. Jane Rosenthal and De Niro will produce through their Tribeca Productions. Jay Roach will produce through Delirious Media. Stiller and John Lesher will produce through Red Hour Films. Hamburg will produce through Particular Pictures.
The first Meet the Parents grossed more than $330 million at the global box office when it was released in 2000, becoming that year's seventh highest-grossing film globally. Its sequels Meet the Fockers (2004) and Little Fockers (2010) were also box office successes. In all, the franchise has grossed $1.13 billion worldwide.
Universal EVP Production Development Matt Reilly and Director of Production Development Jacqueline Garell will oversee the project for the studio.
Following her scene-stealing performance as Glinda in Wicked, Grande has had her fair share of scripts come her way. Ultimately, her strong ties to the studio led her back to the lot on a project Universal is excited about.
Wicked shattered box office records, becoming the most successful Broadway musical film adaptation of all time, earning almost $800 million worldwide. For her role as Glinda, Grande received Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG and BAFTA nominations for Supporting Actress. The film was nominated for 10 Oscars including Best Picture, winning for Costume Design and Production Design.
Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on November 21.
Grande is repped by CAA, Good World Management and Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg & Light LLP.
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