Ben Stiller first starred in “Meet the Parents” in 2000, a film that has since spawned three sequels, including the soon to be released “Focker In-Law.”
After the release of the “Focker In-Law” trailer, Stiller took to X to answer some fan questions – and to give some opinions of his own.
What Does Stiller Think Of The Sequels?
The trailer for “Focker In-Law” was released on Thursday, April 16. It sees Stiller and Robert De Niro returning to their familiar roles, alongside newcomer to the franchise, Ariana Grande.
In the film, Grande stars as Olivia Jones, the girlfriend of Stiller’s character Greg’s son. Although Greg is suspicious of Olivia, she quickly endears herself to Jack (De Niro), much to Greg’s chagrin.
Fans quickly took to X to post their reactions, with PEOPLE reporting a fan wrote, “Yall [sic] I did not watch the first 3 movies (and I don’t want to watch it either) but I want to watch the 4th one. Will I lose major plot?”
Stiller responded to the fan, posting “No! But I still stand by the first two.”
Fans noticed the omission of the franchise’s third instalment, with one asking, “So what went wrong with ‘Little Fockers’? You worked on it.”
Stiller replied, “We always try. Fully.”
While “Meet the Parents” has an 85% rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the sequels were not as well received. “Meet the Fockers” has 38% rating, and “Little Fockers” sits at 10%.
Stiller On Newest Sequel: “I’m The New De Niro”
GettyStiller and De Niro introduced the trailer at CinemaCon, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Solo onstage, Stiller joked about the “fully intentional 15-year-break between movies three and four.” He then pointed out that he is about the same age that De Niro was in “Meet the Parents,” quipping, “I guess you could say I’m the new De Niro of the franchise.”
He was then joined by De Niro, who deadpanned, “Don’t say that. It’s very disrespectful… You made a very unflattering comparison that forced me to defend my honor.”
The pair also brought up their new co-star Grande, with De Niro asking, “She’s got an Oscar nomination. How many of those do you have?”
He then joked, “I didn’t write this.”
Joining Stiller, De Niro and Grande for the film are “Fockers” first-timers Beanie Feldstein and Skyler Gisondo, playing Greg’s children.
Teri Polo, Owen Wilson and Blythe Danner will be back to reprise their roles.
“Focker In-Law” has a release date of November 25, 2026.
