"I stand by the first two": Ben Stiller shares take on 'Meet the Parents' sequels
Los Angeles, April 17
Actor Ben Stiller has shared his candid views on the 'Meet the Parents' film series, saying he stands by the first two films while responding to fans ahead of the fourth instalment, according to People.
Stiller, who plays Greg Focker in the franchise alongside Robert De Niro, reacted after the trailer of the upcoming film Focker In-Law was released.
When a fan asked whether watching the previous films was necessary to understand the new movie, Stiller replied, "No! But I stand by the first two."
One wrote on X, "Y'all, I did not watch the first 3 movies (and I don't want to watch it either) but I want to watch the 4th one. Will I lose major plot?," according to People.
The franchise began with Meet the Parents, followed by Meet the Fockers and Little Fockers. While Stiller did not elaborate on his reservations about the third film, he added, "We always try. Fully," when asked what went wrong with it.
The upcoming film also stars Ariana Grande, who plays Olivia, the girlfriend of Greg's on-screen son Henry, portrayed by Skyler Gisondo, according to People.
Directed as a continuation of the popular comedy series, the film follows the next generation of the Focker family as Henry plans to marry Olivia, leading to familiar tensions within the family dynamic, according to People.
Actors Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner and Teri Polo are also set to reprise their roles.
'Focker In-Law' is scheduled to be released on November 25, 2026.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, the third film *was* a bit weak. The jokes felt forced. Glad Stiller acknowledges it. Hope the new one brings back the original charm. Adding Ariana Grande is an interesting choice to attract younger audiences.
Meet the Parents is a classic! De Niro as the suspicious father-in-law is iconic. These Hollywood family comedies are fun, but our own Indian family dramas have much more depth and emotion, yaar.
As a fan living in India, I've watched all three. The first is the best, no question. The premise is universal—everyone fears their partner's parents' judgement! Excited to see where they take the story with the next generation.
Respectfully, I think the whole franchise has run its course. Sometimes it's better to let classics be. Making a fourth film in 2026 feels like a cash grab. The magic was in the original cast's chemistry.
Hilarious series! The cat scene with the ashes... unforgettable! 😂 It's a fun, light watch. Perfect for a family movie night. Hope the new one is good. November 2026 is so far away though!
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