‘Fockers’ Producer Admits Sequel Handcuffed by Woke

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It’s no secret why big-screen comedies dried up over the past decade.

The ‘woke’ mentality spread rapidly in Hollywood, causing movie studios to worry about negative reactions on social media. Even a renowned comedic director like Todd Phillips decided to change his approach and directed two films featuring the Joker character instead of risking backlash from the ‘woke’ community.

In Hollywood, it seemed as though the era of political correctness was over when Donald Trump was re-elected and ribald humor returned to the forefront.

Think again, says veteran Hollywood producer Jane Rosenthal.

She didn’t say so directly, but her comments during a new interview screamed that hard truth.

This week, Rosenthal discussed plans for a fourth “Meet the Parents” movie with Variety. According to Rosenthal, Ben Stiller, the lead actor, is now around the same age Robert De Niro was in the initial film – 59 years old. The first movie, released in 2000, grossed $166 million at the U.S. box office and boosted De Niro’s reputation as a comedic performer following years of intense, R-rated roles.

The films “Meet the Parents” and its sequel “Little Fockers” were released, with “Little Fockers” earning a substantial $148 million in the United States. However, critical reviews for the movies weren’t positive, leading to the franchise coming to a halt.

Currently, it’s announced that Greg Focker and his companions will return, yet according to Rosenthal, certain aspects have evolved since those days. Particularly, the informal rules governing comedy.

Reflecting on the last 25 years from my perspective as a devoted cinephile, I must say that the movie-making business has undergone quite an evolution since “Meet the Parents” graced our screens. The landscape of cinema is now more diverse, inclusive, and innovative than ever before.

As for the humor in “Meet the Parents,” it was a product of its time and cultural context, which required a keen understanding of the sensitivities and nuances that were relevant then. In today’s world, some jokes might need a rethink to ensure they resonate with contemporary audiences while maintaining the essence of what made them funny in the first place. It’s all about striking a balance between timelessness and relevance in storytelling.

Originally, you were asking about the script, but unfortunately, I can’t disclose that information. However, what I can share is that in today’s society, there are certain jokes that are no longer appropriate or acceptable due to changing sensitivities and social norms. It’s important to consider who might find a joke offensive nowadays. For instance, the title of the second movie was “Meet the Fockers.” In light of current standards, it may not be possible to use that title today.

In the interview, it seems Rosenthal doesn’t challenge or resist the limitations mentioned. It could be that she holds such opinions privately, but she chooses not to express them publicly.

Additionally, it’s important to mention that unlike other popular R-rated comedies such as “Wedding Crashers,” “Old School,” or the “The Hangover” series by Phillips, the “Fockers” films didn’t venture into pushing boundaries in the same way.

The PG-13 series generally resonated with a wide range of viewers and didn’t stir up significant or substantial debates or disputes.

Inform Rosenthal that any future “Parents” series would need to comply with the latest regulations. It’s likely that such a production wouldn’t generate as much revenue as its previous installments did.

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2025-05-28 21:03