Meet the Parents 4: De Niro, Stiller, and Ariana Grande Reunite for a New Family Predicament

The beloved Meet the Parents franchise is returning for its fourth installment, promising a fresh comedic twist with returning stars Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, and Teri Polo, joined by none other than Ariana Grande. Set for release on November 25, 2026, the film brings back the original creative team with John Hamburg directing and writing, and Jay Roach producing.

At a 25th anniversary reunion during the Tribeca Festival, fans were thrilled to see the original cast reunite for a screening and Q&A session. The crowd erupted in laughter, confirming the enduring charm of the original film and its sequels. De Niro, reflecting on his iconic role as Jack Byrnes—the stoic, no-nonsense CIA dad—expressed genuine excitement for the upcoming installment, stating, “The script is really good. I’m looking forward to it.”

Director Roach emphasized that the key to the franchise’s success lies in its core concept: the comedic tension of trying too hard to impress someone—and failing miserably. “It’s always about the predicament,” he said. “That’s what John Hamburg nailed again. The harder you try, the worse it gets. That’s the magic.”

Ben Stiller added another layer of nostalgia and timeliness. Now the same age De Niro was during the first film, Stiller’s character will grapple with his grown child introducing a partner to the family. “Life informs everything,” said Stiller. “There’s a sort of mirror to the first film.”

Teri Polo praised Stiller’s comic brilliance and noted how natural the cast’s chemistry still is, even after all these years. “It’s all baked in there,” she said, underscoring the emotional resonance fans still feel for these characters.

While the plot remains under wraps, it’s clear the new movie will carry the same awkward hilarity and heartfelt moments that defined the previous entries. Roach summed it up: “The audience has this history with the characters and they’re going to bring that to the film too. It’s emotional for us, for the actors, and for fans.”

The addition of Ariana Grande introduces a fresh dynamic—and possibly a musical twist. Stiller jokingly referred to the new title as “Wicked 3,” playing off Grande’s role in the Wicked musical film. De Niro, however, dismissed any plans to sing in the film, recalling a cut musical number from Meet the Fockers.

Produced by Tribeca Productions, Delirious Media, Red Hour Films, and Particular Pictures, this fourth installment continues a legacy of comedy and family chaos. The universal appeal of Meet the Parents makes it a likely favorite among audiences of all ages, especially fans of lighthearted ensemble comedies reminiscent of popular family films on Netflix.