‘The Family Stone’ Sequel in Development to Honor Late Diane Keaton

By Entertainment Correspondent January 3, 2026

Nearly 20 years after its release, the beloved 2005 holiday dramedy The Family Stone is getting a sequel, with original writer-director Thomas Bezucha confirming he’s actively developing the script. The news comes in the wake of star Diane Keaton’s death on October 11, 2025, at age 79 from bacterial pneumonia, adding a poignant layer to the project’s focus on grief and family legacy.

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Bezucha revealed in a November 2025 CNN interview that he had been working on the follow-up for months prior to Keaton’s passing. “I’ve been haunted by the loss of Sybil for months now while I worked on it, and so this was a blow on a tender bruise already,” he said, referring to Keaton’s character, matriarch Sybil Stone, who succumbs to cancer in the original film. “Mentally, I’ve been spending time in that house where I’ve been missing her for a while already.” Keaton’s real-life death has intensified his resolve: “Now, I want to honor her even more.”

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The Family Stone, produced by 20th Century Fox (now under Disney), grossed nearly $93 million worldwide and became a perennial holiday favorite for its blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt drama. The ensemble cast—led by Keaton as the free-spirited Sybil—includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson, Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, Craig T. Nelson, Elizabeth Reaser, and Tyrone Giordano. The story centers on a chaotic Christmas gathering where Sybil’s terminal illness brings her eccentric family together amid clashing personalities and unexpected romances.

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Bezucha emphasized that any sequel would prioritize the original cast, stating he received “unanimously positive responses” when gauging interest. “I’m not interested in the Brady family reunion without the original Jan,” he told CNN. Co-stars like Nelson and Mulroney have hinted at discussions, with Mulroney mentioning talks in a New York Post interview. However, no actors have officially signed on, and Disney has yet to greenlight the project.

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The sequel’s narrative will likely explore the family’s life after Sybil’s death, building on the original’s themes of loss, forgiveness, and connection. Bezucha noted in a Vanity Fair interview that “so much of the story of the sequel is about her absence,” creating a meta resonance with Keaton’s passing. Fans have embraced the idea as a tribute, with social media campaigns celebrating the film’s 20th anniversary in December 2025.

Keaton’s performance as Sybil—warm, wise, and subtly fragile—remains the emotional core of the original, earning praise for its restraint amid the family’s turmoil. Her death shocked Hollywood, prompting tributes from co-stars and directors like Woody Allen and Nancy Meyers. The sequel offers a chance to extend her legacy on screen.

As holiday viewing traditions endure, The Family Stone continues streaming on Disney+, reminding audiences of its timeless appeal. Whether the sequel materializes remains uncertain, but Bezucha’s commitment ensures it would honor both the fictional Stones and the irreplaceable Keaton.