It is undeniable that Universal Studios is actively pursuing the development of a fresh sequel to the beloved comedy, Meet the Parents. Penning the script for this highly anticipated film is John Hamburg (of Me Time fame), who is currently in negotiations to helm the project, bringing back the original stars, Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, and Blythe Danner. Hamburg's credentials include contributions to the 2000 original film and its two subsequent sequels. Although the plot details remain tightly under wraps, anticipation is already building.
Producing the film are a star-studded team including De Niro and Jane Rosenthal from Tribeca Productions, Jay Roach of Delirious Media, Stiller and John Lesher from Red Hour Films, and Hamburg himself, representing Particular Pictures. Matt Reilly, Universal's Executive Vice President of Production Development, and Jacqueline Garrel, Director of Production Development, are overseeing the project for the studio.
Directed by Roach, Meet the Parents revolves around a nurse (played by Stiller) who faces challenges in winning the approval of his girlfriend's dominant father (portrayed by De Niro). The 2000 film shattered box office records, grossing over $330 million worldwide, while its 2004 sequel, Meet the Fockers, which welcomed Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand to the cast, surpassed even that success, amassing $522 million globally.
Roach helmed the directorial duties for the first two installments, while Paul Weitz took the reigns for 2010's Little Fockers. In a 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hamburg played coy when questioned about the possibility of another Meet the Parents sequel. "I'll refrain from diving into that question," Hamburg said at the time, "but I love everyone involved, and we're still in touch. I think that's all I'll say on that matter."
Hamburg is represented by WME and Sloss Eckhouse. Deadline was the first to break the news of Hamburg's potential directorial role in the new film.
