A reunion of the beloved cast of “Meet the Parents” took place recently to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center as part of this year’s Tribeca Festival. Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, and director Jay Roach reminisced about the comedy that tells the story of Greg Focker, portrayed by Stiller, enduring the awkwardness of meeting his girlfriend’s parents, including De Niro’s character, Greg Byrnes, a retired CIA agent.
During a Q&A following the screening, Stiller expressed joy in hearing laughter from the audience for a movie that is a quarter-century old, noting that “it still works.” He humorously acknowledged how the association with his character continues to prevail in public, joking about how being called “Focker” on the street may not feel entirely respectful.
Roach shared that Stiller’s casting was almost not a reality, as initial discussions involved Steven Spielberg directing Jim Carrey in the lead role. Stiller and Roach’s hiring shifted the project into a new direction, allowing Stiller to headline the cast.
Polo, recruited at the last moment for the film, joked about her role amongst seasoned actors. She recalled De Niro’s advice on comedy, emphasizing that honesty in delivery is key.
“Meet the Parents” was a massive success, grossing over $330 million worldwide from a budget of $55 million, and led to sequels including “Meet the Fockers” and “Little Fockers.” A fourth installment is currently in development, rumored to feature Ariana Grande among new cast members. Stiller pointed out that the concept for the sequel reflects where they are in life, with generational dynamics coming into play, as he finds himself at an age similar to De Niro’s during the original filming.
De Niro also shared his excitement, having read the screenplay himself and noted that he’s been advocating for another sequel since they filmed the last one. He expressed anticipation for revisiting these characters and crafting more comedic moments.
Overall, the reunion not only celebrates the milestone of a cherished film but hints at the continued legacy of the “Meet the Parents” franchise, creating hope for fans eager for more laughter in the future.