Netflix has officially kicked off production on Grown Ups 3, reuniting Adam Sandler with a star-studded cast, including returning favorites and exciting newcomers.
Why it matters: The third installment of the beloved comedy franchise marks a major reunion for its original cast and introduces new talent, promising to deliver more laughs and nostalgia.
- Production began in New Jersey on August 3, 2026, with filming expected to continue until October 14, 2026.
- The film's logline hints at an adventurous premise: "Now that their kids are all grown up, the gang is finally free to go on the ultimate adventure."
- Returning cast members include Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider, Maya Rudolph, Maria Bello, and Salma Hayek Pinault.
- New additions to the ensemble include Julie Bowen, Deon Cole, and Bailee Madison, who have all expressed excitement about joining the franchise.
Driving the news: Netflix announced the start of production on August 6, 2026, sharing a group photo of the cast enjoying a meal together, reinforcing the camaraderie that has defined the franchise.
- The photo showcased Sandler, James, Spade, Rock, and Schneider — all original stars — alongside newcomers like Madison and Cole.
- Director Kyle Newacheck, known for his work on Happy Gilmore 2, which set a Nielsen record for viewership, is at the helm of this project.
- The script for Grown Ups 3 is penned by Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy, marking another collaboration between the two.
State of play: The Grown Ups franchise has evolved since its inception, with the first film released in June 2010, grossing over $270 million globally.
- The original film centered on childhood friends reuniting after their coach's passing, setting the stage for heartfelt and comedic moments.
- The sequel, Grown Ups 2, released in 2013, introduced new characters and expanded the storyline, though some original cast members were absent.
- Rob Schneider returns in this installment after missing out on the second film, much to fans' delight.
The big picture: The shift of the Grown Ups franchise from Sony Pictures to Netflix in May 2026 signifies a broader trend of established franchises finding new homes on streaming platforms.
- This move allows for increased creative freedom and potentially wider audiences, as Netflix continues to invest heavily in original content.
- Adam Sandler's previous Netflix projects have seen considerable success, paving the way for continued collaborations with the streaming giant.
- With the addition of new cast members like Julie Bowen, who previously starred with Sandler in Happy Gilmore, the film aims to blend nostalgia with fresh talent.
What they're saying: The cast and crew have expressed enthusiasm about reuniting for this project, highlighting the bonds formed over the years.
- “We missed you!” Sandler posted on Instagram, sharing his excitement about the reunion.
- Bailee Madison, known for her roles in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and Roommates, stated she is thrilled to join the franchise.
- Deon Cole, a rising star in comedy, mentioned he looks forward to stepping into the Happy Madison universe for the first time.
By the numbers: The production of Grown Ups 3 involves a large ensemble cast and crew, underscoring the scale of the project.
- The cast includes over a dozen actors, with many returning from previous films, ensuring a rich mix of familiar and new faces.
- Filming locations include New Jersey and potentially international sites, aligning with the film's adventurous theme.
- Previous films in the franchise have set high expectations, with the original grossing over $270 million and the sequel adding to its legacy.
What's next: As production progresses, fans eagerly await more details about the plot and release date.
- With filming taking place in various locations, updates are expected as the crew captures the film's adventurous spirit.
- Netflix will likely share behind-the-scenes glimpses and promotional material leading up to the film's release.
- The franchise's transition to streaming opens new avenues for storytelling and character development, keeping audiences engaged.
As anticipation builds for Grown Ups 3, the blend of returning favorites and new talent promises to deliver a comedic adventure that resonates with fans of all ages.