Ariana Grande swaps ‘Wicked’ for chaotic comedy in ‘Focker-In-Law’ trailer

Ariana Grande is stepping into a very different on-screen world, trading her Wicked persona for a chaotic comedy role in the first trailer for Focker-In-Law.

The film marks the latest instalment in the long-running Meet the Parents franchise and sees Grande starring alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro.

Ariana Grande steps into comedy chaos

The trailer introduces Grande as Olivia Jones, a trained FBI hostage negotiator who enters the famously tense Focker family dynamic as a potential future daughter-in-law.

From the outset, her character is put to the test by De Niro’s Jack Byrnes, who subjects her to a lie detector in a bid to determine whether she can be trusted. Olivia holds her own throughout, matching the family’s intensity and navigating the awkward, high-pressure environment with ease.

The clip leans heavily into the franchise’s signature humour, built around uncomfortable encounters, family scrutiny and escalating tension, with Grande positioned at the centre of it all.

Return of a comedy franchise

Directed by John Hamburg, the film continues the story established in Meet the Parents (2000), Meet the Fockers (2004) and Little Fockers (2010).

The new instalment also stars Owen Wilson, Beanie Feldstein, Eduardo Franco, Blythe Danner and Teri Polo.

Focker-In-Law is set for release on November 26, aligning with the US Thanksgiving holiday.

Post-‘Wicked’ shift for Grande

The role marks a tonal shift for Grande following her turn as Glinda in Wicked, which earned her an Academy Award nomination and introduced her to a new wave of film audiences.

While she has not released a new album since Eternal Sunshine in 2024, Grande is set to return to touring later this year, with dates planned across North America and the UK.

With Focker-In-Law, she now moves into a more comedic, fast-paced role, placing her in one of Hollywood’s most recognisable family comedy franchises.