# Ariana Grande, Ben Stiller, and Robert De Niro Promote Focker In-Law The stars joined Jimmy Fallon for a comedic takeover to promote their upcoming film. - **Source:** [Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6b20a183-20f9-41a1-88b0-389cdb2feef1 ## Star-Studded Tonight Show Appearance Ariana Grande, Ben Stiller, and Robert De Niro appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote their upcoming comedy, Focker In-Law. The trio participated in various segments, including a surprise rendition of O Christmas Tree, ahead of the film's scheduled theatrical release on Thanksgiving, November 25, 2026. ## Franchise Expansion and New Roles Focker In-Law marks the fourth installment in the Meet the Parents franchise. Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro reprise their iconic roles as Greg Focker and Jack Byrnes. Ariana Grande joins the cast as Olivia Jones, the girlfriend of Greg and Pam Focker’s now grown-up son, Henry, played by Skyler Gisondo. ## Unexpected Physical Comedy Rehearsals Grande recalled a surreal first day of filming where she immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver on Stiller. Despite expecting a traditional introduction, the actors were directed by the stunt team to jump straight into the physical scene. Grande joked about explaining this unusual first day of work to her mother. ## Prior Professional Working Relationship The collaboration is not the first time Grande and Stiller have worked together. Grande noted she previously met Stiller when he directed her in a scene for the film Zoolander 2. This established history helped the actors feel comfortable with each other despite the immediate intensity of their new project's rehearsals. ## Comedic Segments and Games Beyond the interview, the guests engaged in several comedic bits, including a game of True Confessions. Grande attempted to convince the group that she fell into a tank at the Boca Aquarium at age four. The trio also participated in a parody skit titled Slow Clap Soap Opera for the audience. ## Strategic Promotional Broadcast Schedule The appearance is part of a special series of four episodes of The Tonight Show airing after NBC’s Sunday Night Football. This specific episode, featuring musical guest Lil Baby, follows a previous special on September 27. Future episodes will feature guests like Jennifer Lopez and Anthony Mackie on November 15, 2026. ## Musical Performance and Dynamics During their rendition of O Christmas Tree, Grande took the lead on vocals while Stiller and De Niro provided support. The performance was tied to the show's celebration of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree arrival. The segment highlighted the lighthearted dynamic between the three stars during their current promotional press cycle. ## Broader Franchise Context The film features returning cast members including Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, and Teri Polo, alongside newcomers Beanie Feldstein and Skyler Gisondo. As the fourth entry in the series, Focker In-Law continues the long-running comedic narrative. The promotional tour aims to build anticipation for the Thanksgiving release date across national theater chains. ## Sources covering this story - [Billboard — Ariana Grande, Robert De Niro, and Ben Stiller Perform Christmas Carol](https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/ariana-grande-o-christmas-tree-robert-de-niro-ben-stiller-1236377155/) - [Rolling Stone — Ariana Grande, Ben Stiller, and Robert De Niro Visit The Tonight Show](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/ariana-grande-robert-de-niro-focker-in-law-fallon-1235654500/) - [Variety – Music — Ariana Grande Returns to Public Eye on The Tonight Show](https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/ariana-grande-tonight-show-stepping-away-public-1236943053/) - [The Hollywood Reporter — Ariana Grande Recalls Unconventional First Meeting with Ben Stiller](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ariana-grande-first-met-ben-stiller-orgy-scene-zoolander-2-1236751314/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._