Recently, FATHER OF THE BRIDE actor George Newbern participated in an interview with Us Weekly, and revealed that Charles Shyer, director and co-writer of the first two films has completed a script for another installment to the franchise. While talks about getting the original cast back together are happening as well, fans of the Steve Martin-led comedy films will have to wait at the alter just a bit longer before hearing the original players say "I do," in regard to their participation.
“Charles Shyer wrote a script. I know there’s a script out there. And there’s talk,” Newbern shared with Us Weekly. “I don’t know how far it got but I’m sure most of the cast would be into it if the script was right. So maybe that’s just a question of that happening.”
As you may recall, FATHER OF THE BRIDE was released in 1991, and featured comedic actor Steve Martin as George Banks, a father who's reluctant to see his daughter, Annie (Kimberly Williams-Paisley), wed after only knowing her fiance for a total of three months. Diane Keaton co-stars alongside Martin as Nina Banks, George's practical wife and often, his voice of reason. Hilarity ensues as the big day encroaches, with George having to cope with everything from a kooky wedding planner named Frank Eggelhoffer (Martin Short) to the reality of "losing his little girl forever."
While FATHER OF THE BRIDE was a box office smash, it's sequel, FATHER OF THE BRIDE PART 2 was met with mixed reviews from critics and lackluster responses from audience members – earning just $76 million domestically during its theatrical run. Considering that the sequel ended with both Annie and Bryan (George Newbern) moving from California to Boston, one would assume that a sequel would see the remaining members of the Banks family relocating to Boston as well for more heart-felt family comedic drama.
Growing up, the original FATHER OF THE BRIDE film was a staple in my house. My mother and sister watched it obsessively, while my father looked on from his recliner, chewing his nails at the thought of one day giving away his only daughter to some strange dude. In all honesty, I don't recall much about the sequel, though perhaps that's saying something in and of itself. I'd be curious about a third film in the franchise, though I don't plan on checking the "Yes" box on my R.S.V.P. card just yet.