Start of filming and plot details for Grown Ups 3

More than a decade after their last adventure together, the time has finally come: "Grown Ups 3" is officially in the planning stages. And there is also initial information about the start of filming and the start date.

According to the production list, filming is set to begin in Vancouver in February 2026. As in the previous films, Adam Sandler will once again take center stage – this time as an adult family man who inherits the summer camp and then assembles his crew. Although Sony Pictures has not yet officially confirmed the full cast, it is highly likely that Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider will also be back on board.

Back in the summer, Kevin James hinted in an interview with The Direct that something was in motion:

"I think there have been. And I think, yeah, I think you can keep hope alive. I can say that. I would keep a lot of hope alive. And I think it's happening – something's happening. I can say that."

Whether director Dennis Dugan, who already directed the first two films, will take the director's chair again is still open. A start date has also yet to be set.

Grown Ups 1 & 2: When friendship, family and chaos collide

Hardly any other film series embodies the typical humor and heart of Adam Sandler as much as "Grown Ups". The two comedies, which were released in cinemas in 2010 and 2013, are among the actor's most popular films and are still firm favorites in the comedy genre today. Although they were often ridiculed by critics, they hit exactly the right nerve with audiences – because they talk about something that everyone knows: friendship, family and the child in us that never quite grows up.

A reunion among friends: Grown Ups (2010)

The first "Grown Ups" film was released in 2010 and marked the big reunion of a comedy dream team: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider – five comedians who had already made it big in the 1990s with series and stand-up successes. The film was directed by Dennis Dugan, who had previously worked with Sandler on several occasions.

The plot is simple but effective: after the death of their former basketball coach, five childhood friends meet up again with their families in a vacation home by a lake to spend the weekend together. What begins as a memorial reunion quickly turns into hilarious chaos full of pranks, arguments and nostalgic moments.

Behind the childish humor, however, lies a surprisingly emotional message: the film shows how adulthood often goes hand in hand with the loss of the lightness and friendship of youth – and how important it is not to forget yourself and your roots. The interplay between the actors is the heart of the film. Their chemistry is so authentic that you could almost believe they really have been friends for decades. The humor is typical Sandler: loud, silly, but always heartfelt.

Despite mixed reviews, "Grown Ups" was a huge success with audiences. With worldwide box office takings of around 270 million dollars, the comedy became one of the most successful films of the year – and laid the foundations for a sequel.

Back to the lake: Grown Ups 2 (2013)

Three years later, "Grown Ups 2" followed, again directed by Dennis Dugan and with the original cast. This time, Lenny (Adam Sandler) and his family have moved permanently to the small town where he grew up – in the hope of giving his children a more "normal" childhood. But the quiet small-town life is short-lived when old acquaintances, chaotic neighbors and a crazy college day turn everything upside down.

The second part focuses less on a classic plot and more on situation comedy and group dynamics. Whether it's waterslide competitions, embarrassing parents' evenings or an over-the-top party – the movie celebrates the chaos of family life with a wink. Here, too, the message is central: growing up is inevitable, but adulthood is optional. The film reminds us that laughter, friendship and joie de vivre know no age limits.

Critics once again accused "Grown Ups 2" of being irrelevant in terms of content, but audiences loved it – above all because of its feel-good factor. At a time when many comedies were cynical or exaggerated, "Grown Ups 2" offered a simple but honest escape into the humor of everyday life.

Why the films still work today

What makes the "Grown Ups" series so special is not the complexity of the plot, but its authenticity and humanity. The characters are exaggerated but believable; their problems – from midlife crises to parental stress – are universal. There is also a real sense of community behind the relaxed atmosphere: the films feel less like scripted products and more like a summer vacation among friends. Adam Sandler has often emphasized that he specifically invites his friends into his projects to have fun with them – and you can feel that in every scene.

Even after more than a decade, "Grown Ups" and "Grown Ups" are timeless feel-good comedies that connect generations. They show that humor, heart and a bit of chaos are sometimes the best ingredients for a fulfilling life.

Conclusion

The "Grown Ups" films are more than simple summer comedies – they pay homage to friendship, family and growing up with a wink. They are a reminder that you are never too old to behave like a child, to laugh and not to take life too seriously. And with the announcement of "Grown Ups 3", one thing is clear: Adam Sandler's chaotic troupe has by no means spoken its last word.