Ariana Grande Meets the Fockers 2026 Comedy Gold?

Ariana Grande Set to Star in New 'Meet the Parents' Sequel, Arriving Fall 2026

Get ready for more hilarious family encounters! Following the monumental success of "Wicked Part One," Ariana Grande is teaming up with Universal once again for a highly anticipated project: a brand-new installment in the beloved "Meet the Parents" franchise. Sources close to Deadline have confirmed that the Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning superstar is officially on board, and the film is slated to hit theaters on November 25, 2026.

John Hamburg, a veteran of the franchise, will be directing this next chapter. He not only co-wrote the previous three films but is also penning the script for this latest installment. And, in exciting news for fans, the core cast is returning! Expect to see the familiar faces of Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, and Blythe Danner reprising their iconic roles.

While specific plot details are being tightly guarded, here's what we know:

• Director: John Hamburg
• Returning Cast: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner
• Release Date: November 25, 2026
• Producers: Jane Rosenthal and De Niro (Tribeca Productions), Jay Roach (Delirious Media), Stiller and John Lesher (Red Hour Films), Hamburg (Particular Pictures)

The original "Meet the Parents," released in 2000, was a massive hit, earning over $330 million worldwide and becoming the seventh highest-grossing film of the year globally. The subsequent sequels, "Meet the Fockers" (2004) and "Little Fockers" (2010), continued the franchise's box office success. In total, the "Meet the Parents" saga has grossed a staggering $1.13 billion worldwide.

Universal's EVP Production Development Matt Reilly and Director of Production Development Jacqueline Garell will be overseeing the project for the studio.

Grande's involvement comes after her acclaimed performance as Glinda in "Wicked," which has undoubtedly opened numerous doors for the talented actress and singer. However, her existing strong relationship with Universal seems to have played a key role in bringing her back to the studio for this exciting new venture.

Speaking of "Wicked," the film achieved phenomenal success, becoming the most successful Broadway musical film adaptation ever, raking in nearly $800 million globally. Grande's portrayal of Glinda earned her nominations for prestigious awards, including Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG and BAFTA nominations for Supporting Actress. The film garnered 10 Oscar nominations overall, winning for Costume Design and Production Design.

Looking ahead, fans can anticipate "Wicked: For Good," set to grace theaters on November 21st.

With Ariana Grande joining the "Meet the Parents" family, the future of this beloved franchise looks brighter than ever. The combination of Grande's star power, the return of the original cast, and John Hamburg's writing and directing expertise promises a comedy that will resonate with audiences of all ages. Get ready to laugh!

Tags: Ariana Grande, Meet the Parents, Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, John Hamburg, New movie, 2026 release, Comedy film, Universal, Tribeca Productions

Source: https://deadline.com/2025/05/ariana-grande-meet-the-parents-movie-1236413786/