Ariana Grande unites Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro in Fokker in-lawshis fourth installment Meet the parents franchise, introduced by Universal Pictures at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The studio presented the first trailer to theater owners, offering a glimpse into the continuation of the Byrnes-Focker family story sixteen years after the last film.
The original Meet the parents followed Greg Fockerplayed by Stiller, as he tries to win the approval of his girlfriend’s father, Jack Burnsplayed by De Niro. The film grossed $330 million worldwide and spawned two sequels. The new chapter repositions Greg in that dynamic, placing him in the role of a skeptical father confronting his son’s partner.
Grande is playing Olivia Joneshis girlfriend Henry Fokkerillustrated by Skyler Jisondo. The character enters the family with a definite sense of control and quickly changes the balance within the household. Olivia describes her past as an FBI hostage negotiator and applies that experience to her interactions with Greg, who approaches her with suspicion.
The trailer builds its tension through Greg’s attempts to challenge Olivia. He applies familiar methods, including a polygraph test, but fails to unsettle her. Olivia handles each situation with precision, shifting power away from Greg and toward herself. De Niro’s character responds to Olivia with instant approval, creating a rift that leaves Greg isolated. The rest of the family follows suit, reinforcing Olivia’s position within the group.
Grande discussed her role during a 2026 Actors on Actors conversation with Adam Sandler. She described Olivia as someone Greg struggles to understand, which drives the film’s central conflict. He also pointed to Olivia’s strong relationship with Jack as a key element that heightens Greg’s reaction.
The cast brings together returning actors and new additions. Stiller and De Niro appear together Terry Polo, Owen Wilsonand Blythe Dannerwhile Beanie Feldstein becomes Henry’s twin sister, Samantha. John Hamburg is writing and directing the film, continuing his involvement with the franchise.
During the CinemaCon presentation at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Stiller appeared on stage before being joined by De Niro, drawing a strong response from the audience. Both actors spoke about Grande’s performance. De Niro described her as “probably the funniest co-star” he’s ever worked with, while Stiller reacted with visible discomfort, echoing the film’s tension.
Focker In-Law hits theaters on Thanksgiving, returning the franchise to the big screen with a revised dynamic shaped by generational change and a shift in power within the family.
