Owen Wilson has re-entered the “circle of trust,” signing on to reprise his scene-stealing role as Kevin Rawley in Universal Pictures’ forthcoming “Meet the Parents 4.” The studio says Wilson will join Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro when the family comedy reaches theatres on 25 November 2026.
Wilson’s deal follows pop superstar Ariana Grande’s addition to the ensemble. During a “Today” appearance marking the original film’s 25th anniversary, Stiller called Grande “the whole engine of the new movie” and teased musical scenes that will have De Niro singing alongside her. Grande, fresh from an Oscar-nominated turn in “Wicked,” is expected to play the assertive fiancée of Greg and Pam Focker’s now-grown son.
Franchise veteran John Hamburg—co-writer of all three previous installments—will direct from his own screenplay and produce with Stiller, De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, John Lesher and original helmer Jay Roach. Universal will release the film domestically while Paramount handles international distribution under a new co-financing pact.
The first three films—“Meet the Parents” (2000), “Meet the Fockers” (2004) and “Little Fockers” (2010)—have earned about $1.13 billion worldwide, cementing the series as one of Universal’s biggest live-action comedy brands. Development of a fourth chapter was formally announced in December 2024 and green-lit this spring, with Hamburg’s script said to revisit the franchise’s original clash-of-families premise.
Plot details remain under wraps, but insiders indicate the story will again pit Stiller’s ever-anxious Greg against De Niro’s hyper-vigilant Jack Byrnes—this time as in-laws-to-be. Addressing fans at the Tribeca Festival, De Niro called the latest draft “really good,” while Stiller suggested Grande’s comedic instincts would “drive” the movie forward. Principal photography is expected to begin early next year, positioning the film for a Thanksgiving-weekend launch 15 years after the series’ last outing.
