Ariana Grande Stars in Meet the Parents 4 Alongside De Niro

Pop superstar Ariana Grande is expanding her acting repertoire with a lead role in the upcoming Meet the Parents 4, sharing the screen with comedy legend Ben Stiller and acting icon Robert De Niro. The casting news, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, confirms Grande's continued transition from pop sensation to bona fide actress following her acclaimed performance in Wicked. Universal Pictures has scheduled the family comedy's release for November 25, 2026.

Both Stiller and De Niro have officially signed on to reprise their iconic roles in this fourth installment of the beloved franchise. Original cast members Blythe Danner and Teri Polo are in negotiations to return, according to THR's insiders. While plot details remain largely under wraps, the outlet reveals one key storyline will center on Polo and Stiller's on-screen son getting engaged to a strong-willed woman deemed unsuitable by the family. Sources confirm Grande will portray this controversial fiancée.

The production will reunite key creative talent from previous films, with series veteran John Hamburg returning to write and direct. Jay Roach, who helmed the original trilogy, joins as producer alongside De Niro through Tribeca Productions. Stiller's Red Hour Films will co-produce, with Hamburg's Particular Pictures also involved. Universal executives Matt Reilly and Jacqueline Garell will oversee project development.

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While best known for her seven-time platinum music career, including 2024's critically acclaimed Eternal Sunshine album, Grande has been making waves in Hollywood. Her scene-stealing performance as Glinda in last year's Wicked earned widespread praise culminating in an Oscar nomination. Grande will reprise the role in 2025's Wicked: For Good before shifting gears to this high-profile comedic project.

For more entertainment updates, explore our guide to 2025's most anticipated films or revisit our original Meet the Parents review, where we awarded the 2000 comedy an impressive 8/10 score.