Robert De Niro reportedly stepped up to help promote Focker-in-Law after Ariana Grande pulled back from the spotlight. Her unexpected decision reportedly complicated the movie’s marketing plans, despite her major role in the comedy.
Grande, 33, had become a prominent part of the film’s promotional push. However, sources claimed De Niro wanted to ease the pressure while she took time away from public appearances.
Ariana Grande’s step back from public life has reportedly complicated the Focker-in-Law marketing campaign
According to RadarOnline.com, the film’s marketing campaign encountered “some chaos” after Grande announced she was “taking a step back from visibility.” An insider said her situation created uncertainty around how the movie would be promoted. The singer and Wicked star had faced intense questions and criticism surrounding her dramatic weight loss. Sources said De Niro supported her decision to step away while she focused on herself.
“Ariana’s situation has created some chaos around how Focker-in-Law will be promoted and marketed,” an insider said. Grande was not exactly a background player in the upcoming comedy. She played the girlfriend of Ben Stiller’s son, giving her a major role in the fourth installment.
“She has a leading role and is the focus of the trailer that’s already playing in theaters,” another source said. “But she’s not available to promote the film.” That left De Niro, 83, among those reportedly ready to pick up the promotional slack. The Hollywood veteran also produced the film and had grown particularly fond of Grande during production.
“Bob” was reportedly among those who had enthusiastically welcomed Grande to the cast. The source said the cast and filmmakers were prepared to handle promotional duties she would have otherwise taken on. De Niro, Stiller and Owen Wilson returned for the fourth movie in the Meet the Parents franchise. The series previously included Meet the Fockers and Little Fockers, collectively earning more than $1.1 billion worldwide.
Focker-in-Law was scheduled to arrive in theaters the day before Thanksgiving. Its release meant the promotional machine was already gearing up, making Grande’s absence especially significant. Still, De Niro reportedly prioritized his co-star’s well-being over publicity demands. The producer “wants Ariana to be happy and healthy and for the world to know how funny she is in this movie,” a source said.
So while Grande stepped away from the spotlight, De Niro appeared ready to keep the movie moving.
