Ariana Grande will star in the fourth installment of the "Meet the Parents" comedy franchise, according to the first trailer and official poster released this week for the film. The Boca Raton, Florida-born singer and actress, a Grammy Award winner and Academy Award nominee, takes on a leading role in a movie whose Spanish-language title translates as "Now They're the In-Laws."
The franchise began in 2000 with "Meet the Parents," the comedy that introduced audiences to the tense, often absurd relationship between Ben Stiller's character and his intimidating future father-in-law, played by Robert De Niro. The saga continued with two further films built on that same family dynamic, and has become one of the most beloved comedy series in mainstream cinema.
A legendary cast joined by new talent
Grande will share the screen with De Niro, a two-time Oscar winner, and Stiller, who return to reprise their long-running rivalry as father-in-law and son-in-law. Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner and Teri Polo also come back for the fourth film. John Hamburg, who wrote the screenplays for the previous three installments, directs.
The production also introduces younger cast members to draw in audiences who may not have seen the earlier films. They include Skyler Gisondo, recently seen playing Superman on screen, Beanie Feldstein, and Eduardo Franco, known for his role in "Stranger Things." Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal produce the film, which blends veteran stars with newer names. Grande's role is expected to be one of the film's biggest draws.
An emotional farewell to touring
The news arrives days after Grande gave fans an emotional send-off as she wrapped up her latest international tour this past Monday. She grew tearful and her voice broke as she thanked fans on stage for their support throughout months of intense work touring.
The closing show marked a cathartic end to that chapter and led to what the source described as a firm and necessary decision: Grande is stepping back from public life temporarily to disconnect completely, heal and recover her energy away from media attention.
What it means for the film's promotion
Grande's break is expected to affect how the film is promoted. Although she is one of its main attractions, her absence from red carpets and the usual promotional interviews around the release appears to be confirmed. Her team has made clear that her personal wellbeing and peace of mind are the absolute priority right now, after several frenetic years balancing film and music work.
For fans who will miss seeing her in the coming months, cinemas will become, from November 27 onward, the place to keep enjoying her talent while they wait for her eventual return.
