Sequel to ‘The Family Stone’ in Development, Says Thomas Bezucha
The beloved holiday film “The Family Stone” is set to receive a sequel, according to writer-director Thomas Bezucha. During a recent interview, Bezucha revealed his plans for the follow-up, which he has been developing in the wake of the passing of Diane Keaton, who portrayed the matriarch Sybil Stone in the original 2005 film.
“The Family Stone” tells the story of a family navigating a challenging Christmas as they come to terms with Sybil’s terminal illness. Bezucha expressed that the loss of Keaton significantly impacted his creative process. “I’ve been haunted by the loss of Sybil for months now while I worked on it,” he said. He added, “This was a blow on a tender bruise already,” highlighting the emotional weight he carries as he continues to craft the sequel.
Keaton’s Legacy and the Response from the Cast
Bezucha emphasized the importance of honoring Keaton’s legacy through the new project. He stated that the news of her passing made it crucial for him to “do a good job by the rest of the cast.” The filmmaker is determined to create a sequel that respects the original film while also paying tribute to Keaton’s contributions.
When Bezucha first conceived the idea for a sequel, he reached out to the principal cast members to gauge their interest. He noted, “I’m not interested in the Brady family reunion without the original Jan.” His approach paid off, as the cast responded positively, expressing enthusiasm for returning to their roles. While no official agreements have been signed, notable cast members including Sarh Jessica Parker, Dermot Mulroney, and Craig T. Nelson have acknowledged the project.
Box Office Success and Future Prospects
“The Family Stone” was produced by 20th Century Fox, which is now part of Disney. According to Box Office Mojo, the film grossed nearly $93 million worldwide against a budget of $18 million, solidifying its status as a holiday favorite. The sequel is still in the early stages, with Bezucha needing to finalize the script before moving forward.
Bezucha’s commitment to the project reflects a deep respect for Keaton and the original film, aiming to capture the essence of the beloved story while introducing new elements. As fans of “The Family Stone” eagerly await further updates, the potential for a sequel promises to rekindle the warmth and humor that made the original a holiday classic.
CNN has reached out to Disney for comments on the sequel but is yet to receive a response. As development progresses, the film community and fans alike are hopeful for a heartfelt continuation of the Stone family’s story.
