Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro return for controversial sequel

In recent discussions, notable actors Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller are exploring the possibility of returning to their iconic roles for a follow-up to the 2000 comedy classic, Meet the Parents. Alongside them, co-stars Blythe Danner and Teri Polo are also part of these talks as they consider reprising their roles in this yet-to-be-titled sequel. The original film, released in 2000, was a significant financial success, grossing $330 million worldwide against a budget of just $55 million, which showcased its broad appeal. De Niro's performance as the overprotective father earned him a Golden Globe nomination, highlighting the strong reception of the film. Following this, the franchise expanded with Meet the Fockers in 2004, which introduced actors Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand, achieving even greater success with a worldwide gross of $522 million. The third film, Little Fockers, released in 2010, did not fare as well critically, garnering poor reviews and a mere 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting that the charm of the series was starting to diminish among audiences. However, the original cast's reunion in 2020 for the film's 20th anniversary revealed their enthusiasm for a potential new installment, with both De Niro and Stiller expressing openness to working together again. De Niro's recent Oscar nomination for his role in Martin Scorsese’s film, Killers of the Flower Moon, further underscores his continued prominence in the film industry. A new script is in development, with John Hamburg, one of the original co-writers, attached to write it. Although a director has yet to be announced, the potential of this sequel has excited fans of the franchise, anticipating the return of beloved characters in a fresh comedic narrative.