Ben Stiller is set to return inMeet the Parents4, with the upcoming sequel taking a major step forward. Beginning with 2000’sMeet the Parents, the tale ofStiller’s Gaylord “Greg” Fockerand his conflict with his new father-in-law, played by Robert De Niro, has evolved into a $1.13 billion franchise. The franchise’s previous movie, 2010’sLittle Fockers, managed to generate an impressive $310 million at the worldwide box office, despite being panned by critics. Plans for a fourth movie were first announced in December last year.
PerDeadline,Meet the Parents 4has landed John Hamburg, the original screenwriter, as its new director, replacing Jay Roach, who helmed two of the previous three installments. Hamburg is also set to pen the script, while Roach will still be involved as producer. The new sequel cast will also see the return of original cast members Teri Polo and Blythe Danner, alongside Stiller and De Niro.
What A New Director Means For Meet The Parents 4
Hamburg Is Already Well Versed In Stiller’s Comedic Brand
Despite its clear profitability,Stiller’s last outing in theMeet the Parentsfranchise disappointed manyfans. Withreviews forLittle Fockersculminating in a dismal 9% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, many critics felt that the previous entry fell well short of the comedic highs enjoyed by the first two movies. By comparison, the original movie earned a near-glowing 85%, which remains the series' best score. Expectations will be high forMeet the Parents 4, particularly when confronted with the question of whether the movie needs to be made at all.
10 Best Meet The Parents Quotes
Meet the Parents is a timeless comedy gem filled with hilarious lines, delivered brilliantly by Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller.
However, with Hamburg being the screenwriter responsible for not only penning the originalMeet the ParentsandMeet the Fockers,but also 2001’sZoolander,he already has a considerable grasp of Stiller’s unique comedic sensibilities. If anyone is capable of course-correcting the franchise, the original writer who helped launch Greg Focker’s ongoing struggle withDe Niro’s Jack Byrneswould be an ideal candidate.
Our Take On Meet the Parents 4 Future
It May Be Best To Take Things Back To Basics
While it is not clear whetherMeet the Parents 4may see the return of Focker’s own parents, previously played by Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand, it may be best that this new movie attempts to play things safe and return to a focus on both Stiller and De Niro’s characters instead. Exactly what momentous new life occasion will instigate their next hilarious misunderstandings remains to be seen, but in going back to the same person responsible for writing the first movies,it is possible that a return to basics may indeed be in the cards.
