New ‘Meet the Parents’ Film in Development With Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller Set to Return
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
Universal Pictures is preparing to revisit one of its most beloved comedy franchises with a new Meet the Parentsinstallment currently in the works. The film is expected to reunite original stars Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, and Blythe Danner as the dysfunctional yet endearing characters who made the series a cultural phenomenon. John Hamburg, the screenwriter behind the original 2000 hit and its sequels, is attached to write the script. While a director has yet to be announced, the project is already gaining traction with key figures from the previous films expected to return.
The original Meet the Parents (2000), directed by Jay Roach, centered on Greg Focker (Ben Stiller), a hapless male nurse attempting to win over his girlfriend’s intimidating father, Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro), a retired CIA operative. The dynamic between Stiller’s comedic timing and De Niro’s deadpan delivery turned the film into an instant classic, earning over $330 million worldwide. The success of the original led to two sequels: Meet the Fockers (2004), which brought Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand into the mix and grossed $522 million globally, and Little Fockers (2010), directed by Paul Weitz, which explored the next chapter in the Focker family’s story. While the third film received mixed reviews, its commercial success solidified Meet the Parents as a hallmark comedy franchise that continues to resonate with audiences.
Several key players from the series are expected to return both in front of and behind the camera. Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller, who brought the franchise’s comedic clashes to life, are in early talks to reprise their iconic roles. Teri Polo and Blythe Danner are also likely to return as Pam (Greg’s patient wife) and Dina Byrnes (Jack’s calm and loving counterpart), respectively. John Hamburg, a longtime creative force behind the franchise, will pen the new script. Hamburg, who co-wrote the original Meet the Parents and its sequels, has a strong track record of balancing sharp humor with heartfelt storytelling. He previously teased the possibility of revisiting the Parents universe in a 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter: “I will refrain from discussing that question, but I love everybody involved, and we all are still in touch, and I think that’s all I’m gonna say on that.” While a director has not yet been confirmed, producers include several franchise veterans: Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal for Tribeca Productions, Jay Roach for Delirious Media, and Ben Stiller and John Lesher for Red Hour Films. The project will be overseen by Matt Reilly, Universal’s EVP of production development, and Jacqueline Garrell, director of production development.
Given the original film’s place in pop culture—memorable quotes like “I have nipples, Greg, could you milk me?” remain iconic—it’s clear that Universal sees untapped potential in revisiting this world. The Meet the Parents films struck a chord with audiences by blending universal family dynamics with absurdist humor and the ever-relatable discomfort of trying (and often failing) to fit in. With De Niro and Stiller back on board and Hamburg steering the script, the upcoming installment has the chance to honor its roots while bringing the story into a new era. Whether it involves Greg still navigating Jack’s ever-watchful eye or a new generation of Byrnes-Fockers chaos, the possibilities for comedic gold are endless.
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