Ben Stiller reveals that theMeet the Fockersfilmmakers had to prove something to the Motion Picture Association (MPA) so that the movie’s title would be approved. The 2004 comedy film is a sequel to 2000’sMeet the Parents. Itstars Stilleras Greg Focker and Robert De Niro as Jack Byrnes, Greg’s disapproving future father-in-law. InMeet the Fockers, Greg introduces his future in-laws to his own parents, who are played by Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand.
While appearing on an episode ofHot Ones, Stiller was asked by host Sean Evans if it was true that the MPA wouldn’t approve the titleMeet the Fockers, unless the filmmakers could prove that there was someone who actually had “Focker” as a surname. Stiller confirmed that this was true, and explained that it was becausethe MPA thought Greg’s last name sounded too much like “f–ker.“The actor went on to explain that there is a process where names in a film need to be cleared. Stiller’s conversation with Evans aboutMeet the Focker’s title can be found below:
Evans:Is it true that the Motion Picture Association would not allow for the name Focker, unless the filmmakers could prove that there was actually someone with that surname?
Stiller:Oh, I think that is true. Yes, yeah, they, ‘cause it was a PG-13, I think, and they thought it was too close to f–ker.
Evans:So they’re like, ‘If you want to clear this hurdle, you have to show us a photocopy of someone’s driver’s license with this surname.’
Stiller:Yeah, well they have to clear names, I don’t understand how it works legally, honestly.But that, something like that did happen.
What Keeping The Title Meant For Meet The Fockers
It Perfectly Explains The Premise Of The Movie
While the film could have simply been titledMeet the Parents 2, the title ofMeet the Fockersmakes it stand out more. It also perfectly explains what the premise of the movie is about. In the first film, Greg was shown to be more of an outcast when he was with his girlfriend’s (Teri Polo) family. Despite the best of intentions, Greg’s actions would often lead to confrontational moments with Jack.
Why Ben Stiller Stopped Acting In Lead Roles For 7 Years Before Nutcrackers
Ben Stiller’s brand-new Christmas movie, Nutcrackers, is a great reminder that he’s a brilliant actor, so why hasn’t he had a leading role in 7 years?
The title ofMeet the Fockerstells the audience that this film will be about meeting Greg’s family.It also sets up that there will once again be conflict, since Jack will be spending time with a whole family that the audience already knows he won’t immediately like. Even though the filmmakers had to go through a process to get the name “Focker” in the title, they were able to use it again in the third film. The next film in the series wastitledLittle Fockers, and was released in 2010.
Our Take On Meet The Fockers Keeping Its Title
The Title Reflects One Of The Series’ Best Recurring Gags
The title ofMeet the Fockersnot only tells viewers what the film is about, butit also references one of the series' best recurring gags. When Greg first meets Jack and his wife Dina (Blythe Danner), he confirms how his last name is pronounced, and has found himself already in an embarrassing situation. Jack and Dina even later reference how inappropriate Greg’s last name sounds, when they realize that their daughter’s full name could one day be “Pamela Martha Focker.”
The fact that the filmmakers were able to prove that someone actually has that last namealso shows that the gag was not too far-fetched of an idea. Although Greg may have sometimes found himself in ridiculous situations, part of the appeal ofMeet the Fockersand the entire trilogy is the relatable theme of trying to impress an important figure in your life (like a future in-law), while also embarrassing yourself in front of them.
Meet the Fockers
Cast
Meet the Fockers is a comedy film directed by Jay Roach and is the sequel to the 2000 film Meet the Parents. Greg and his soon-to-be bride, Pam, are going through the hurdles of the wedding process, and realize that their wildly different families will finally have to meet. Greg may have struggled to connect with his father-in-law, but nothing will prepare Pam’s family for the full Focker experience.
