Ariana Grande is venturing into a new genre, shifting from her acclaimed role in Wicked to star in the chaotic comedy Focker-In-Law. This film is the newest addition to the long-running Meet the Parents franchise, featuring Grande alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro.
In the trailer, Grande portrays Olivia Jones, a skilled FBI hostage negotiator who becomes entwined in the famously tense Focker family as a prospective daughter-in-law. From the beginning, her character faces scrutiny from De Niro’s Jack Byrnes, who administers a lie detector test to gauge her trustworthiness. Olivia confidently meets the family’s challenges, navigating the awkward and high-pressure situations with poise.
The preview highlights the franchise’s trademark humor, centered on uncomfortable interactions, family skepticism, and mounting tension, with Grande positioned at the heart of the comedic turmoil.
Directed by John Hamburg, Focker-In-Law continues the narrative established in Meet the Parents (2000), Meet the Fockers (2004), and Little Fockers (2010). The cast also includes Owen Wilson, Beanie Feldstein, Eduardo Franco, Blythe Danner, and Teri Polo. The film is scheduled for release on November 26, coinciding with the US Thanksgiving holiday.
This role represents a notable tonal shift for Grande following her portrayal of Glinda in Wicked, which earned her an Academy Award nomination and expanded her film audience. Although she has not released a new album since Eternal Sunshine in 2024, Grande plans to resume touring later this year with dates across North America and the UK.
With Focker-In-Law, Grande embraces a fast-paced comedic role, joining one of Hollywood’s most recognizable family comedy franchises and marking a new chapter in her acting career.
