‘The Family Stone’ Sequel in Development After Diane Keaton’s Death

Two decades after its release, the holiday classic ‘The Family Stone’ is set to return to the screen, this time without the luminous presence of Diane Keaton, who portrayed the family matriarch Sybil Stone. Keaton, who died on October 11, 2025, at the age of 79 from pneumonia, leaves behind a rich legacy in film and a role that resonated deeply with audiences and cast alike .

Writer-director Thomas Bezucha revealed in interviews that he had been working on the script for a follow-up to ‘The Family Stone’ when he received news of Keaton’s passing. “I’ve been haunted by the loss of Sybil for months now while I worked on it, and so this was a low on a tender bruise already, ” Bezucha shared, reflecting on how Keaton’s death profoundly affected his writing process. “Mentally, I’ve been spending time in that house where I’ve been missing her for a while already. ” He emphasized that Keaton’s death made him even more determined “to do a good job by the rest of the cast” and “honor her even more” .

‘The Family Stone’ is a sentimental favorite, known for its nuanced portrayal of a large, loving, and sometimes chaotic family gathering for Christmas. The film’s story centers on Meredith Morton , a businesswoman who joins her boyfriend Everett Stone and his family for the holidays, only to find herself struggling to fit in. The ensemble cast also includes Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, Craig T. Nelson, Luke Wilson, Tyrone Giordano, Brian J. White, Elizabeth Reaser, Paul Schneider, and Jamie Kaler .

A central plot point in the film is Sybil Stone’s cancer diagnosis, around which the family’s tensions and affections revolve. The film was praised for its honest, sometimes raw depiction of family dynamics and grief, as well as its heartwarming moments of acceptance and love.

Bezucha stated that any sequel would only proceed with the involvement of the principal cast, underscoring the importance of preserving the original dynamic. “I’m not interested in the Brady family reunion without the original Jan, ” he remarked, referencing the necessity of authenticity and continuity. When he reached out to the surviving cast members, Bezucha reported “positive responses, ” indicating a shared desire to revisit the Stone family’s story in a way that would celebrate Keaton’s memory .

Though the sequel has not been officially greenlit, interest from both the creative team and the cast is strong. 20th Century Studios, now owned by Disney, has been contacted for comment, but no official announcement has been made regarding production or release timelines .

Diane Keaton’s passing has prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans reflecting on her decades-long career and her influence both on and off screen. Keaton’s work in ‘The Family Stone’ was notable not only for her powerful performance but also for the film’s inclusive approach to family. The original movie featured an openly gay character, Thad Stone , who is deaf and happily partnered with Patrick Thomas . Their relationship was depicted with warmth and normalcy at a time when mainstream films still often relegated LGBTQ+ characters to the margins .

The film’s intersectional representation—of LGBTQ+ identities and people living with disabilities—provided meaningful visibility for audiences who rarely saw their experiences reflected in major holiday movies. In the years since its release, ‘The Family Stone’ has been celebrated for its progressive portrayal of queer characters and families, making the prospect of a sequel significant for those who value inclusive storytelling .

As discussions about the sequel continue, questions remain about how the new film will address both the absence of Sybil and the evolving cultural landscape. Given the original’s positive depiction of a gay couple and the Stone family’s embrace of diversity, there is hope within LGBTQ+ communities that the sequel will build upon this legacy and further expand inclusive representation.

Film critics and LGBTQ+ advocates have noted that, since 2005, expectations for queer representation in mainstream cinema have grown. Audiences are likely to look for not only continuity in the depiction of Thad and Patrick’s relationship but also new stories that reflect the diversity of LGBTQ+ lives today. Industry observers will be watching to see if the sequel can balance nostalgia with authentic, modern representation, honoring both Diane Keaton’s memory and the values that made the original film resonate with so many viewers .

At present, ‘The Family Stone 2’ remains in the development phase, awaiting official approval from the studio. The outpouring of affection for Diane Keaton and the enduring popularity of the original film suggest a strong foundation for a sequel that both honors the past and speaks to the present.

As the project moves forward, LGBTQ+ audiences and allies will be eager to see how the Stone family’s story continues—hoping that the sequel will reaffirm the inclusive, loving spirit that made the first film a holiday staple.