The Emmy‑winner will play the widowed patriarch’s new love interest, joining the original ensemble for a Christmas reunion set two decades after Diane Keaton’s passing.
Searchlight Pictures confirmed on Thursday that Emmy‑star Jean Smart has signed on for the sequel to the 2005 holiday hit The Family Stone. Smart, fresh off a historic fifth Emmy win for Hacks, will portray the unexpected love interest of the Stone family’s father, a role that adds a fresh twist to the familiar Christmas chaos.
The sequel, titled The Families Stone, picks up roughly twenty years after the original’s matriarch, Sybil Stone, played by the late Diane Keaton, passed away. The family is slated to gather again for the holidays, only to discover that patriarch Kelly Stone (Craig T. Nelson) has brought a new woman into the fold. Variety reports that Smart’s character is the woman Kelly has invited to meet the clan.
Returning cast members include Rachel McAdams as Amy Stone, Sarah Jessica Parker as Meredith Morton, Claire Danes as Julie Morton, Dermot Mulroney as Everett Stone, Luke Wilson as Ben Stone, and a host of supporting players such as Tyrone Giordano, Elizabeth Reaser, Paul Schneider and Brian White. Director‑writer Tom Bezucha, who helmed the original, is back at the helm, with original producer Michael London and new co‑producer Shannon Gaulding attached.
Smart’s addition marks her first film role since Babylon in 2022. Her agency representation – WME and Untitled Entertainment – confirmed the deal in a brief statement, noting that she is excited to join a “beloved ensemble for a story that balances humor and heart.”
Production is slated to begin this fall in New York, according to Deadline. No release window has been announced yet, but the studio’s timing suggests a holiday 2027 launch, aiming to capture the same seasonal audience that made the first film a perennial favorite.
The casting news arrives just weeks after Searchlight officially unveiled the sequel’s core lineup. Fans have taken to social media, celebrating the blend of original faces and fresh talent. The addition of Smart, known for her sharp comedic timing, is being hailed as a potential catalyst for new family dynamics, especially given her character’s role in shaking up the patriarch’s world.
While the plot details remain tightly under wraps, the logline released by Searchlight hints at “the biggest surprise of the season” – a phrase that shows the narrative’s focus on unexpected love and the inevitable clash of old‑school family rituals with new relationships.
With the holiday season looming, the industry will be watching to see how the sequel balances nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. If the film lands on schedule, it could join the ranks of other successful Christmas franchises that dominate the box‑office each December.
What’s next?
The crew will head to New York later this month to start shooting. Keep an eye on official announcements for a trailer drop, likely timed for the next summer’s fan‑fare. Until then, audiences can speculate on how Smart’s character will fit into the Stone family’s ever‑evolving mix of love, loss, and holiday drama.
Stay tuned for updates on release dates, trailer releases, and further casting news.
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