*Courtesy of Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage.*

Following her Oscar-nominated role in ‘Wicked,’ global pop sensation Ariana Grande has landed her next big-screen project.

The Grammy-winning artist is set to co-star alongside Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller in the latest installment of Universal’s hit comedy franchise, ‘Meet the Parents.’

Returning stars Blythe Danner and Teri Polo are also expected to reprise their roles from the original trilogy, though their deals are still being finalized, according to insiders.

John Hamburg, who co-wrote the first three films, has penned the script and will step into the director’s chair for this new chapter. The film is scheduled for release on November 25, 2026. Jay Roach, director of the original trilogy, is onboard as a producer.

The original ‘Meet the Parents,’ released in 2000, centered on the relatable tension of a man seeking his future father-in-law’s blessing. With sharp direction and undeniable chemistry among the cast, it became both a box office and critical success. The film catapulted Stiller into comedy stardom and allowed De Niro to reinvent his screen persona, extending his appeal into a new comedic era.

The first film grossed over $330 million globally (unadjusted for inflation) and ranked as the seventh highest-grossing film worldwide that year. Its sequels, ‘Meet the Fockers’ —which introduced Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand — and ‘Little Fockers,’ continued the franchise's success. Together, the three films brought in over $1.13 billion worldwide.

Plot details for the upcoming movie are being kept under wraps, but sources say one storyline involves the grown-up son of Stiller and Polo’s characters becoming engaged to a strong-willed woman who appears to be a mismatch— played by Grande.

The film will be produced by Jane Rosenthal and De Niro through Tribeca Productions, with Roach producing via Delirious Media. Stiller and John Lesher will produce under the Red Hour Films banner, and Hamburg will produce through his company, Particular Pictures.

Universal’s Matt Reilly, executive vice president of production development, and Jacqueline Garell, director of production development, will oversee the project.

Though Grande is now recognized as one of the best-selling musical acts of all time, her roots lie in acting — starting with Nickelodeon’s ‘Victorious.’ While she’s appeared in various roles over the years, her portrayal of Glinda in ‘Wicked’ truly showcased her range and charisma as an actress.

Released in November, ‘Wicked’ earned nearly $800 million globally and landed Grande nominations for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG, and BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress. The film also received 10 Oscar nominations, winning for Costume Design and Production Design.

In recent months, Grande has turned down several film offers from major studios including Universal, Sony, and Warner Bros. — even passing on a Warner comedy that would have allowed her to choose her co-star. According to one insider, she had one specific goal in mind: finding the right comedy.

Grande will next reprise her role as Glinda in ‘Wicked: For Good,’ set to premiere on November 21, 2025.

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