Diane Keaton’s A-list replacement as Craig T. Nelson’s love interest in ‘Family Stone’ sequel revealed

Jean Smart will take over the late Diane Keaton in the “Family Stone” sequel, “The Families Stone,” as Craig T. Nelson’s love interest.

On Wednesday, Searchlight Pictures, the film production company behind the new movie, announced Smart’s casting.

“Welcome Jean Smart to The Families Stone,” they captioned the Instagram post, which fans took over with excitement.

“Hope someone’s polishing my tombstone because OMG I have died and gone to heaven,” said one user.

“i’m sat. filming hasn’t even started yet probably but i don’t care i’m so seated,” added another.

“HOLY MOTHER WHAT A GAG!!! I cannot wait! One of my favorite Christmas movies ever!” commented a third person.

“This is going to be so good! The anticipation rises, because you are perfect for the continuation. Diane is watching from above and will be very proud! 😍🙌🏻 Christmas can come! 🎄,” wrote a fourth netizen.

Smart, 75, will play Nelson’s new love interest — a role Keaton held as family matriarch Sybil Stone.

Searchlight’s official logline for “The Families Stone” reads, “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.”

Most of the original cast will return for the sequel, including Rachel McAdams as Amy Stone; Dermot Mulroney as Everett Stone; Luke Wilson as Ben Stone; Sarah Jessica Parker as Meredith Morton; Claire Danes as Julie Morton and many more.

Keaton’s character died from cancer in the original 2005 Christmas comedy. The sequel is slated to begin filming in New York in the fall.

Keaton passed away in October 2025. She was 79.

Her family revealed in a statement that the “Father of the Bride” actress died from pneumonia.

A friend told People that Keaton’s health rapidly declined “very suddenly” and unexpectedly in the months leading up to her death, calling it “heartbreaking for everyone who loved her.”