Jean Smart Adds Star Power to Family Stone Sequel – Why She’s a Secret

Jean Smart has signed on to appear in Searchlight’s upcoming sequel to the 2005 holiday classic *The Family Stone*. The new film, set to shoot in New York this fall, will bring back many of the original cast members.

Smart’s role remains undisclosed as production keeps character details under wraps. She joins an ensemble that includes Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker and Craig T. Nelson.

The original movie followed Everett Stone’s attempt to introduce his girlfriend to his bohemian family, culminating in the reveal of a terminal diagnosis for matriarch Sybil Stone. The sequel jumps 20 years forward after Sybil’s death, with father Craig T. Nelson inviting the woman he has fallen in love with to meet the Stone clan.

## Background & Context

The *Family Stone*, released in 2005, starred Dermot Mulroney as Everett Stone and Sarah Jessica Parker as his girlfriend Meredith. Diane Keaton portrayed Sybil Stone, whose cancer diagnosis became the emotional core of the story. The film combined comedy with family drama, becoming a staple of holiday viewing.

In the new installment, director Tom Bezucha returns to helm a script he wrote himself. Original producer Michael London teams with Shannon Gaulding, while Parker and Alison Benson co‑produce through Pretty Matches Productions.

The film’s production also comes after Diane Keaton’s passing last October at age 79, adding a bittersweet layer for fans.

Searchlight’s production office is led by SVP Taylor Friedman and Creative Executive Daniel Yu, who report to DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas. The film will film in New York City during the fall season. The project aims for a Christmas release, tapping into the holiday movie tradition.

## Cast & Production Details

The returning lineup features Mulroney, Parker, Nelson, Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, Luke Wilson, Tyrone Giordano, Elizabeth Reaser, Paul Schneider and Brian White. Their characters largely mirror those from the original film, though the new narrative introduces fresh dynamics for the Stone family.

Character specifics have not been released; the studio is keeping details tight as filming prepares to begin. Fans are eager to see how the ensemble will navigate the unexpected twists in this holiday drama.

Production crews will include Groundswell’s Michael London and Shannon Gaulding as producers, with Tom Bezucha directing from his own script. Bezucha’s involvement marks a return after the original film, bringing his own narrative vision to the sequel. The collaboration aims to honor the original while adding contemporary relevance.

## Jean Smart’s Career Highlights

Smart celebrated a historic achievement at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14. She became the first female performer to win an acting Emmy for every season of a single series. Her portrayal earned critical acclaim and solidified her status as a versatile performer.

The award was her eighth career win, recognizing her portrayal of Deborah Vance in HBO Max’s *Hacks*. The honor tied her with Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis‑Dreyfus for the all‑time record of acting wins by a performer. The record ties her with industry legends, underscoring her consistent excellence.

Following *Hacks*, Smart is set to star in the romantic comedy *Egg Baby*, directed by Natalia Anderson for Amazon MGM Studios. The film will co‑star Ariana Greenblatt and is represented by WME and Untitled Entertainment. Egg Baby’s release will further diversify her filmography, offering audiences a fresh romantic comedy perspective.

With Smart aboard and a star‑studded cast, Searchlight’s *The Families Stone* looks poised to revive the holiday film tradition while honoring Diane Keaton’s legacy. Production will begin later this year, setting the stage for a Christmas release that fans of the original are already anticipating.