Ariana Grande expands her acting repertoire with a lead role in Meet the Parents 4, joining Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro in the upcoming comedy sequel.
The Hollywood Reporter confirms the pop superstar-turned-Wicked actress will appear in the franchise's latest installment. Universal Pictures has scheduled the Focker-Byrnes family reunion for November 25, 2026.
Stiller and De Niro return for their fourth on-screen clash as reluctant in-laws, while Blythe Danner and Teri Polo (currently in negotiations) are expected to reprise their roles from previous films. According to sources, the plot will focus on Polo and Stiller's character having a son who becomes engaged to "a controlling woman who seems completely wrong for him" – reportedly to be played by Grande.
Behind the camera, franchise writer-director John Hamburg returns to helm the project. Original trilogy director Jay Roach serves as producer alongside Robert De Niro through Tribeca Productions. Ben Stiller produces via Red Hour Films, while Hamburg produces through Particular Pictures. Universal executives Matt Reilly and Jacqueline Garell will oversee production.
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While best known for her Grammy-winning music career (including 2024's Eternal Sunshine album), Grande has successfully transitioned to acting. Her performance as Galinda/Glinda in Wicked earned critical praise and an Oscar nomination. She'll return for the sequel Wicked: For Good, releasing November 21, 2025.
For more entertainment updates, explore our guide to major 2025 film releases or revisit our original 8/10 review of 2000's Meet the Parents.
