Robert De Niro is set to lead two major film releases in late 2026: the psychological thriller "The Whisper Man" on Netflix and the comedy sequel "Focker-in-Law."
The 81-year-old Oscar winner continues his prolific career by moving between drastically different genres, according to production details and a recent interview on The Tonight Show.
>>> Megyn Kelly Slams Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon Over Past Feud and Political Segment
Comedy Career Shift
During a chat with Jimmy Fallon, De Niro discussed the upcoming fourth installment of the Meet the Parents franchise, titled "Focker-in-Law."
Fallon noted the film's Thanksgiving release and its cast, including Ben Stiller and Ariana Grande.
De Niro praised the script and director John Hamburg, calling the film "very funny."
When asked if he ever planned to do comedy, De Niro admitted he had no such intention initially.
"No, I didn't know," he said, confirming the career shift happened without a deliberate plan.
>>> Teen Killed, Another Critically Injured in Subway Surfing Fall on Williamsburg Bridge
Fallon also highlighted Grande's comedic performance, with De Niro describing her as "great."
Netflix Thriller 'The Whisper Man'
De Niro's Netflix thriller "The Whisper Man" arrives August 28, 2026, starring alongside Adam Scott, Michelle Monaghan, and Michael Keaton.
Based on Alex North's best-selling novel, the film follows a grieving crime writer who reunites with his estranged father—a retired detective—to investigate a serial killer from his past.
The plot centers on a generational mystery connecting a current crisis with historical crimes.
>>> Shia LaBeouf Charged With Three Counts of Simple Battery in New Orleans
Filming wrapped on June 4, 2025, giving Netflix a completed production for the summer release window.
