# Production of ‘The Families Stone’ sequel

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/production-of-the-families-stone-sequel
> Updated: 2026-09-23T16:00:00.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

Searchlight Pictures has confirmed a sequel to the 2005 holiday film ‘The Family Stone’, titled ‘The Families Stone’. Written and directed by Thomas Bezucha, the project is set twenty years after the original film and follows the Stone family as they reunite for Christmas.

The narrative serves as a tribute to the late Diane Keaton, who played the matriarch Sybil Stone and passed away in October 2025. The plot involves the family being surprised when patriarch Kelly Stone, played by Craig T. Nelson, introduces a new romantic partner to the group.

Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart has joined the cast to play this new love interest. Principal photography is scheduled to begin this fall in New York, with much of the original ensemble cast set to return, including Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, Tyrone Giordano, Elizabeth Reaser, Paul Schneider, and Brian White.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Jean Smart joins cast of ‘The Families Stone’ sequel

Jean Smart joins the cast of ‘The Families Stone’, a sequel to the 2005 holiday film, playing the new love interest of the family patriarch.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jean-smart-joins-the-family-stone-sequel

### 2026-09-12: Searchlight Pictures announces ‘The Families Stone’ sequel

Searchlight Pictures is developing ‘The Families Stone’, a sequel to the 2005 holiday classic, featuring much of the original cast and directed by Thomas Bezucha.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/searchlight-pictures-announces-the-families-stone-sequel

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Cite as: Production of ‘The Families Stone’ sequel. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/production-of-the-families-stone-sequel