(Image Source: 20th Century Fox)
The 2005 Christmas family comedy "The Family Stone" was a sleeper hit. Made on a modest $18 million budget, it ultimately grossed an impressive $92.28 million worldwide. Over the years, the film has continued to gain new fans across various countries. Now, eyeing potential nostalgic appeal, Searchlight Pictures has surprisingly announced today that "The Family Stone" is officially getting a sequel, with most of the original cast set to return.
Searchlight recently unveiled the first wave of cast members for the sequel. Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Reaser, Paul Schneider, Brian White, Luke Wilson, and Tyrone Giordano are all set to reprise their roles. However, Diane Keaton, who passed away last year, will unfortunately not be rejoining the ensemble.
(Image Source: 20th Century Fox)
The sequel's storyline, however, will not need to be adjusted due to Keaton's passing. Her character, Sybil, had already died of cancer at the end of the first film. This new installment is set 20 years after Sybil's death. The family reunites once again for Christmas, and this holiday brings a major surprise: their father has unexpectedly invited his new romantic partner to join them for the first time. The identity of the actor playing this new love interest is being kept under wraps for now.
Tom Bezucha, who wrote and directed the original film and "Monte Carlo," will return to write and direct this installment. Production is slated to begin this fall in New York.