Grown Ups 3: 5 Shocking New Updates On Adam Sandler's Long-Awaited Sequel (2025)
The question has lingered for over a decade: Is Grown Ups 3 actually going to happen? As of December 2025, the answer is a resounding and highly-anticipated ‘Yes’—at least according to the latest industry chatter and direct comments from the film's stars. After years of speculation and the core cast moving on to other projects, recent reports suggest that the third installment of the beloved Happy Madison comedy franchise is not only being discussed but is officially in development with a tentative filming schedule on the horizon.
This news comes as a massive relief to fans who have been clamoring for a reunion of Lenny, Eric, Kurt, Marcus, and Rob, especially following the success of the first two films which collectively grossed over $500 million worldwide. However, the path to production has been a long and complicated one, primarily due to Adam Sandler’s shift in focus. Below, we break down the five most crucial and current updates on the status of Grown Ups 3, including the returning cast, the filming timeline, and the emotional challenge the script must address.
The Grown Ups Franchise: A Quick Look Back
The original Grown Ups (2010) and Grown Ups 2 (2013) brought together a powerhouse of comedy talent, establishing a formula of childhood friends reuniting to navigate the complexities of adulthood, marriage, and parenting. The films are notable for essentially being a vacation for a close-knit group of real-life friends, which includes the main stars and their on-screen wives.
The Core Grown Ups Cast & Characters:
- Adam Sandler (Lenny Feder): The successful Hollywood agent who moves his family back to his hometown.
- Kevin James (Eric Lamonsoff): The lovable, perpetually hungry, and slightly clumsy friend.
- Chris Rock (Kurt McKenzie): The stay-at-home dad with a sharp wit and a complicated family life.
- David Spade (Marcus Higgins): The single, sarcastic, and often inappropriate member of the group.
- Rob Schneider (Rob Hilliard): The eccentric and overly sensitive spiritualist (only in Grown Ups).
- Salma Hayek (Roxanne Feder): Lenny's fashion designer wife.
- Maya Rudolph (Deanne McKenzie): Kurt's wife.
- Maria Bello (Sally Lamonsoff): Eric's wife.
1. The Official Status: Confirmed Talks and Development
For years, the idea of a third film was just a fan dream, but that has changed dramatically. Recent remarks from key cast members have solidified the sequel's status. Kevin James, who plays Eric Lamonsoff, has been the most vocal, confirming that discussions about Grown Ups 3 are actively underway. This isn't just wishful thinking; reports suggest the film is now "officially in development." This surge of news indicates that the script or at least the core concept has reached a stage where the studio and the main stars are coordinating schedules and logistics.
Adam Sandler himself has acknowledged the massive fan demand for the sequel, proving he is aware of the clamor for a reunion. The fact that Sandler, James, Rock, and Spade are all reportedly returning suggests that the iconic 'Lamonsofff' crew will be back together for another summer of shenanigans.
2. The Real Reason for the 12-Year Delay: The Netflix Factor
Why did it take over a decade for a sequel to a highly profitable franchise to get off the ground? The main answer lies with Adam Sandler’s massive, multi-picture deal with Netflix, which began in 2014, just one year after Grown Ups 2 was released. This highly lucrative agreement shifted Sandler’s focus and the resources of his production company, Happy Madison Productions, almost exclusively to streaming content.
During this period, Sandler produced hits like The Ridiculous 6, Hubie Halloween, and the critically acclaimed drama Hustle, fulfilling his obligations to the streaming giant. With his Netflix commitments now more manageable, the door has finally opened for him to return to a major theatrical sequel like Grown Ups 3, which would likely be a significant box office draw.
3. The Tentative Timeline: Filming in 2026?
While an official release date has not been set (as the film is not yet in full production), there are strong indications of when the cameras might start rolling. Earlier reports suggested filming could begin in early 2025. However, more recent and consistent chatter points to a start date in early 2026. This timeline would mean a potential theatrical release in late 2026 or early 2027, allowing for a 13-to-14-year gap between the sequels.
The long wait means the plot will naturally have to address the characters being in a new life stage—likely dealing with their children heading off to college, starting their own careers, or perhaps the friends navigating a "second act" of their own lives as empty nesters. This concept offers plenty of fresh comedic material, moving the focus from parenting younger children to dealing with adult children.
4. The Emotional Challenge: Addressing Cameron Boyce’s Absence
One of the most significant and emotional factors surrounding Grown Ups 3 is the passing of actor Cameron Boyce in 2019. Boyce played Lenny Feder’s (Adam Sandler) son, Keith Feder, in both previous films. His presence was central to the family dynamic, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by the cast and the audience alike.
The writers face a delicate task in addressing this reality with sensitivity. The most likely scenario, as speculated by fans and commentators, is that the character of Keith Feder will be acknowledged but not recast. The script could explain his absence by stating that he is away at college or pursuing a career, allowing the film to pay tribute to Boyce without dwelling on the tragedy. This emotional element could add a layer of depth and maturity to the film, reflecting the real-life passage of time and loss that the characters—and the cast—have experienced.
5. The Returning Comedy Dream Team
The magic of Grown Ups lies in the chemistry between the five core comedians, all of whom are real-life friends. The biggest update is the reported return of the original dream team: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and David Spade. Furthermore, Rob Schneider, who was conspicuously absent from Grown Ups 2 due to scheduling conflicts, is also rumored to be returning for the third movie.
The return of Schneider, who played the unforgettable Rob Hilliard, would complete the original quintet, bringing back the full dynamic that made the first film a hit. The wives—Salma Hayek, Maya Rudolph, and Maria Bello—are also expected to return, ensuring the sequel maintains the ensemble, family-oriented comedy fans have come to love. The reunion of this legendary comedy cast is perhaps the strongest confirmation that Grown Ups 3 is indeed a priority for Happy Madison Productions.
What to Expect from the New Grown Ups Sequel
The long-awaited sequel is poised to explore the next chapter of Lenny, Eric, Kurt, and Marcus’s lives. Given the time jump, the new plot details will likely center on the friends dealing with their children growing up and moving out. This "empty nest" scenario offers a rich source of comedy, as the "grown ups" must rediscover their identities and their relationships with each other outside of their primary roles as parents.
While the wait has been frustrating for fans, the current buzz and the reported commitment from the entire original cast suggest that the delay was necessary to ensure the film is made right. With a potential filming start in 2026, fans can finally start counting down the days until the biggest comedy reunion in over a decade hits the big screen.
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