Jean Smart to Replace Diane Keaton in 'Family Stone' Sequel
The Emmy-winning actress will step into the role of Craig T. Nelson's love interest in 'The Families Stone'.
Jean Smart has been cast as the successor to the late Diane Keaton in the upcoming sequel to the 2005 holiday film "The Family Stone." Searchlight Pictures, the production company behind the film, announced on Wednesday that Smart will play Craig T. Nelson's new love interest in the movie, now titled "The Families Stone."
Smart, known for her roles in "Hacks" and "Mare of Easttown," will take on the role previously held by Keaton, who portrayed the family matriarch Sybil Stone. Keaton's character died from cancer in the original film. The sequel's logline states that "Twenty years after their mother’s passing, the Stone family reunites for Christmas only to face the season’s biggest surprise: their father has unexpectedly invited (Jean Smart) the woman he’s fallen in love with to meet the family."
The announcement was made via an Instagram post from Searchlight Pictures, which was met with enthusiastic reactions from fans in the comments section. Many expressed excitement about Smart's casting and anticipation for the sequel.
Most of the original cast is expected to return for "The Families Stone," including Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Claire Danes. Filming is scheduled to begin in New York in the fall.
Diane Keaton passed away in October 2025 at the age of 79 from pneumonia. Her family stated at the time that her health had declined rapidly and unexpectedly in the months leading up to her death.