Ariana Grande joins Robert De Niro in new sequel
Ariana Grande, the Grammy-winning singer and Oscar nominee, is stepping into the world of comedy films.
She has signed on to star alongside Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller in the next Meet the Parents movie.
Universal Studios confirmed on Friday that Ariana will join the beloved franchise for its fourth instalment. The original trilogy has grossed over R19.5 billion worldwide.
The upcoming film will be written and directed by John Hamburg, who worked on the earlier movies. The plot promises a fun reversal of roles, according to Daily Mail.
This time, Ariana's character will be the new fiancée in the family. She is described as a 'ball-busting woman who seems all wrong' for her fiancé.
Ariana herself shared the exciting news on Instagram Stories. She posted headlines from The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, writing, 'Very thrilled to be joining (meeting) the family.'
Ariana Grande also shared a nostalgic snap of Robert De Niro, playing a former CIA officer, conducting a polygraph test on Ben Stiller from the original 2000 comedy.
South African fans have taken to social media to express their excitement. One fan wrote, 'ACTORIANA on the rise,' while another said, 'Ariana in a comedy movie… this is the best day of my life.'
A proud supporter added, 'SO PROUD OF MY GIRL ❤️.'
However, some fans lamented that Ariana Grande might be stepping back from music. 'We will never see her touring again,' one follower commented.
This is understandable, as Ariana recently told Variety she plans to focus more on acting. She said, 'Acting is feeling like home right now. I feel so grateful for it.'
South African movie lovers can look forward to a hilarious new chapter in a franchise that has already brought so much joy.
The film is expected to hit theatres in November 2026. Given the local appetite for both comedy and star-studded casts, it's sure to be a hit here.
Meanwhile, fans of Ariana's musical talents need not worry. She reassured her followers, 'Music and being on stage will always be a part of my life.' But for now, acting is her main focus.
With her star shining brighter than ever, South African fans have plenty to look forward to on both the big screen and in the theatre.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
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