The news of a potential sequel to The Family Stone comes with mixed emotions for Sarah Jessica Parker. The actress, who played Meredith Morton in the 2005 holiday classic, shared her bittersweet feelings after the passing of co-star Diane Keaton in October.
“I’m excited, but it’s bittersweet given the loss of Diane Keaton,” Parker told Variety on January 6. “It was a very special group of actors.”
Nelson—alongside director Thomas Bezucha, had discussed a sequel catching up with the Stones and Morton sisters two decades later. Parker added, “Prior to Diane’s passing, there had been conversations with everybody. The hardest part now is coordinating everyone’s schedules.”
Parker also honored Diane’s career, recalling her time on set together. On Instagram in October, she wrote, “I was privileged to witness her talent on both First Wives Club and The Family Stone. I will always cherish those memories and her remarkable cinematic legacy.
Director Thomas Bezucha echoed the sentiment, admitting that writing the sequel without Keaton felt like “a blow on a tender bruise already.” He added that continuing the project is a way to honor her memory and the original cast. He also emphasized that the film won’t moveriginal Jan.”
Diane Keaton was the heart of The Family Stone. Bezucha noted that Keaton’s early commitment to the project helped bring together the full cast.
For Parker, playing Meredith Morton was a welcome change from her iconic Sex and the City role. Describing Meredith as “controlling, rigid, and tightly wound,” Parker embraced the challenge, aiming to make the character feel authentic rather than simply likable. In 2018, she told Vulture, “I didn’t think she was unlikable at all. Women are all wonderfully different, and it’s important to show that.”
