Jean Smart Cast as New Love Interest in Searchlight's 'The Families Stone' Sequel

Key points

• Jean Smart has been cast in 'The Families Stone,' the sequel to the 2005 film 'The Family Stone.'
• Smart will play the new romantic interest of the Stone patriarch, played by Craig T. Nelson.
• The sequel is set 20 years after the original film, which ended with the death of the matriarch, Sybil Stone.
• Most of the original cast is returning, including Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, Tyrone Giordano, Elizabeth Reaser, Paul Schneider, and Brian White.
• Tom Bezucha, who wrote and directed the original film, is returning to write and direct the sequel.
• Principal photography is set to begin in New York this fall.

Background

The original 'The Family Stone' was a 2005 holiday comedy that grossed $92.9 million worldwide. The sequel, 'The Families Stone,' was first revealed in November 2025, shortly after the death of Diane Keaton, who played the matriarch Sybil Stone in the original film. Keaton died of primary bacterial pneumonia in October 2025 at age 79. The original film followed Everett Stone (Dermot Mulroney) as he brought his girlfriend Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) home to meet his family for Christmas. The sequel picks up 20 years after Sybil's passing, as the Stone family reunites for Christmas, only to face the surprise of their father inviting his new love interest to meet them.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Deadline all report on Jean Smart's casting in 'The Families Stone.' THR and Variety emphasize the return of the original cast and the significance of Smart's recent Emmy win. Deadline notes that character details are being kept under wraps. All three outlets confirm the return of Tom Bezucha as writer-director and the fall filming schedule in New York. THR and Variety highlight the emotional weight of the project following Diane Keaton's death, with THR quoting Luke Wilson on the impact of Keaton's passing. Variety includes a quote from Bezucha about the difficulty of writing the sequel after Keaton's death. Deadline provides additional context on Smart's other upcoming project, 'Egg Baby,' and her representation by WME and Untitled Entertainment.

Why it matters

The casting of Jean Smart in 'The Families Stone' is significant for several reasons. First, it brings a major star to a sequel of a beloved holiday film, potentially boosting its box office and cultural relevance. Second, the return of most of the original cast is a rare and notable event in Hollywood, suggesting a strong commitment to the project and its legacy. Third, the timing of the sequel, set 20 years after the original and following the death of Diane Keaton, adds a layer of emotional resonance and nostalgia. Finally, Smart's recent Emmy win for 'Hacks' highlights her current prominence and critical acclaim, making her a compelling addition to the project.

What to watch

Principal photography for 'The Families Stone' is set to begin in New York this fall. The film is expected to be released in 2027, likely as a holiday release. Jean Smart will also appear in the romantic comedy 'Egg Baby' from Amazon MGM Studios, directed by Natalia Anderson. The project is being produced by Michael London and Shannon Gaulding for Groundswell Productions, and Parker and Alison Benson for Pretty Matches Productions. Searchlight Pictures is overseeing the production, with SVP of Production Taylor Friedman and Creative Executive Daniel Yu involved.