After earning an Oscar nomination for her remarkable performance in Wicked, global pop sensation Ariana Grande has secured her next film role. The Grammy-winning singer is set to star alongside Hollywood heavyweights Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller in the latest installment of Universal Pictures' beloved comedy franchise, Meet the Parents.
Fans of the franchise can expect the return of familiar faces such as Blythe Danner and Teri Polo, who starred in the original trilogy released during the early 2000s. While their contracts are still being finalized, sources indicate their involvement in the project. The screenplay for this new feature is penned by John Hamburg, who co-wrote all three previous films and will also take on directing duties. Universal has scheduled the film's release for November 25, 2026. Jay Roach, the director of the first three films, is attached as a producer.
The original Meet the Parents film, released in 2000, captured audiences with its simple yet relatable premise: the often humorous endeavor of seeking a future father-in-law's blessing for marriage. With a perfect blend of comedic chemistry and expert direction, the film became a commercial and critical success, grossing over $330 million worldwide, making it the seventh-highest grossing film of that year.
Stiller's portrayal of Greg Focker catapulted him to Hollywood stardom, while De Niro’s comedic turn showcased his versatility and broadened his appeal into the new millennium. Following the success of the first film, sequels like Meet the Fockers and Little Fockers also performed well at the box office, leading to a total franchise gross exceeding $1.13 billion.
While specifics about the plot remain under wraps, sources reveal that a central storyline involves the son of Stiller and Polo’s characters, who becomes engaged to a strong-willed woman deemed unsuitable for him. Ariana Grande is set to portray this intriguing fiancée, marking her foray into comedy.
Production for the film will be handled by Jane Rosenthal and De Niro through their Tribeca Productions, while Roach will produce via his Delirious Media. Stiller will also produce alongside John Lesher under the Red Hour Films banner, with Hamburg producing through Particular Pictures. Universal's executive vice president of production development Matt Reilly and director of production development Jacqueline Garell will oversee the project.
Although Ariana Grande is currently celebrated as one of the top-selling music artists globally, her acting career began with her role in the Nickelodeon series Victorious. Over the years, she has taken on various acting roles, but her portrayal of Glinda in Wicked showcased her immense talent and solidified her place in the entertainment industry. The film, which was released last November, earned nearly $800 million worldwide and garnered Grande multiple nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress.
Following her role in Wicked, Ariana Grande will reprise her character in Wicked: For Good, set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. Despite receiving numerous offers from major studios like Universal, Sony, and Warner Bros., Grande has been selective, prioritizing her desire to find a comedy project. Sources indicate that she even turned down a Warner Bros. comedy that would have allowed her to choose her co-star, underscoring her commitment to finding the right fit for her next role.
Ariana Grande is represented by CAA, Good World Management, and Myman Greenspan, ensuring her continued success in both music and film.
