Sarah Jessica Parker has shared an update on the long-discussed sequel to the 2005 holiday film The Family Stone, revealing that the project is moving forward despite the absence of its beloved matriarch.
> At a Glance
> – Sarah Jessica Parker confirms a Family Stone sequel is in development
> – Diane Keaton, who died in October 2024 at age 79, will be missed in the follow-up
> – Writer-director Thomas Bezucha is already working on a script
> – Why it matters: Fans of the original film face a bittersweet return to the Stone family without its iconic mother figure
Parker, who played Meredith in the 2005 ensemble comedy, told Variety at the Golden Eve gala on January 6 that while she’s excited about the sequel, the project is clouded by Keaton’s passing. Keaton portrayed Sybil Stone, the family matriarch who receives a terminal cancer diagnosis in the original film.
The Bittersweet Reality
Parker acknowledged the emotional complexity of moving forward without Keaton, calling it a “bittersweet quandary.” She emphasized that prior to Keaton’s death, all original cast members had been approached about reuniting for a sequel.
The main hurdle now, Parker noted, is aligning the busy schedules of the ensemble cast, which includes Dermot Mulroney, Rachel McAdams, Luke Wilson, Claire Danes, Elizabeth Reaser, and Craig T. Nelson.
Behind-the-Scenes Progress
Thomas Bezucha, who wrote and directed the original film, confirmed in a November interview with CNN that he had already begun crafting a sequel script before Keaton’s death. He described the process as emotionally difficult, saying he had been “haunted by the loss of Sybil for months.”
Bezucha stressed that he would only proceed with the sequel if the entire original cast returned, stating:
> “I’m not interested in the Brady family reunion without the original Jan.”
Remembering Diane Keaton
In a December CNN special titled The First Christmas Without Diane, Parker reflected on Keaton’s unique personality and curiosity. She recalled:
> “She liked asking very personal questions… everything from money to, like, really funny, provocative topics.”
Parker added that Keaton’s inquisitive nature came from a deep interest in people and what makes them unique.
Keaton died on October 11, 2024, from a bacterial pneumonia infection at age 79.
Key Takeaways
- A Family Stone sequel is actively in development
- Diane Keaton’s absence will be deeply felt by cast and fans alike
- Scheduling remains the biggest obstacle to production
- Writer-director Thomas Bezucha is emotionally invested in honoring Keaton’s legacy
As the project moves forward, the sequel aims to balance nostalgia with the reality of loss, offering fans a chance to revisit the Stone family while honoring the legacy of Diane Keaton’s unforgettable performance.
