Where Are They Now? The Monster-in-Law Cast’s Shocking 2025 Projects And Transformations

Released nearly two decades ago in May 2005, Monster-in-Law remains one of the most iconic romantic comedies of its era, marking Jane Fonda’s triumphant return to cinema and pairing her perfectly with the reigning rom-com queen, Jennifer Lopez. The unforgettable battle of wills between the controlling mother-in-law, Viola Fields, and the sweet-but-tough fiancée, Charlie Cantilini, cemented the film’s place in pop culture history. As of today, December 18, 2025, the powerhouse ensemble cast continues to dominate the entertainment industry, with several stars taking on surprising new roles and major projects in 2025 and beyond, from political activism to supernatural horror.

This deep dive reveals the complete cast and their roles, followed by an up-to-the-minute look at the biggest career moves, personal transformations, and exciting new projects the stars of Monster-in-Law have undertaken in the years since their classic cinematic showdown.

The Complete Monster-in-Law Cast: Then and Now

The film’s success hinged on the chemistry and comedic timing of its core players. Here is a full profile of the main cast and their roles in the 2005 romantic comedy:

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• Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo) as Charlotte "Charlie" Cantilini: A dog walker and aspiring fashion designer who finally finds the man of her dreams, only to face his formidable mother.
• Jane Fonda as Viola Fields: A legendary, highly influential, and recently fired news anchor who attempts to sabotage her son's relationship.
• Michael Vartan as Dr. Kevin Fields: Charlie's handsome, successful surgeon fiancé and Viola's beloved son.
• Wanda Sykes as Ruby: Viola's quick-witted, long-suffering personal assistant who often serves as her conscience and confidante.
• Adam Scott as Remy: Kevin's best friend and a fellow doctor who is highly skeptical of Charlie.
• Will Arnett as Kit: Kevin's other friend and groomsman.
• Elaine Stritch as Gertrude Fields: Viola's mother-in-law and the only person Viola truly fears.
• Monet Mazur as Fiona: Kevin's glamorous ex-girlfriend.

Jennifer Lopez (Charlie Cantilini): From Rom-Com Queen to Broadway Star

Jennifer Lopez, who played the resilient Charlie Cantilini, has only accelerated her multi-hyphenate career since Monster-in-Law. She has continued to produce, act, and record, but her 2025 slate shows a surprising and ambitious new direction.

The Kiss of the Spider Woman: Her most talked-about 2025 project is her lead role in the film adaptation of the challenging and complex musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman. This role, which premiered at the Sundance 2025 Film Festival, is a major artistic pivot, showcasing her dramatic and vocal talents in a way audiences haven't seen before.

Netflix Thriller and Vegas Residency: J.Lo is also set to star in the new Netflix thriller, The Last Mrs. Parrish, which is expected to be a major streaming event. Furthermore, her high-energy Las Vegas residency, "Up All Night," is scheduled to run through the end of 2025 and into 2026, confirming her status as a global performance icon.

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Jane Fonda (Viola Fields): The Activist Icon’s 2025 Focus

Jane Fonda, the legendary actress who embodied the formidable Viola Fields, has transitioned much of her public focus from acting to political and climate change activism. At 87, her energy is channeled into making a real-world impact.

Climate Change Leadership: Fonda has become one of the most recognizable and passionate voices in the fight against climate change, frequently attending high-profile events and using her platform to rally support. Her book, What Can I Do? The Path From Climate Despair to Action, remains a key resource for aspiring activists.

Honors and Appearances: In 2025, she continues to be honored for both her career and her advocacy. She was slated to headline the Impact + Profit Conference in late 2025 and was honored at the Hammer Museum's annual Gala in the Garden in May 2025, demonstrating her enduring influence across culture and politics.

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What the Supporting Cast is Doing Now: From Severance to Stand-Up

While the central conflict was between Viola and Charlie, the supporting cast provided crucial comedic and dramatic depth. Many of these actors have since become household names thanks to other major television and film roles.

Michael Vartan (Dr. Kevin Fields): A Focus on Life Beyond the Screen

Michael Vartan, who played the charming Kevin Fields, has had a quieter public profile in recent years. While known for his breakout role in Alias and his leading man status in rom-coms, Vartan's career appears to have shifted. Though specific major 2025 acting projects are not widely publicized, he has been noted for his continued involvement in charity work, attending events like the MPTF 19th Annual Evening Before Benefit. His focus seems to be on a more private life, a contrast to the high-profile careers of his former co-stars.

Wanda Sykes (Ruby): The Comedy Queen’s 2025 Tour

Wanda Sykes, who stole scenes as Viola’s assistant Ruby, is as busy as ever in the world of stand-up and television. In 2025, she announced her extensive "Please & Thank You Tour," proving her enduring popularity as a stand-up comedian. On the acting front, Sykes also joined the cast of the series Survival of the Thickest as a guest star, continuing her prolific run in television comedy.

Adam Scott (Remy): The Sci-Fi & Horror Star

Adam Scott, who played Kevin's skeptical friend Remy, has arguably had the most significant post-Monster-in-Law career transformation. While beloved for his role as Ben Wyatt in Parks and Recreation, his 2025 projects are focused on the darker side of cinema. Scott is set to lead the upcoming supernatural horror film Hokum, an Ireland-set project that has generated significant buzz in the horror community. This new project, alongside his Emmy-nominated work on the critically acclaimed series Severance, shows his dramatic range far beyond his early rom-com roles.

Will Arnett (Kit): The Dramatic Comedy Pivot

Will Arnett, who played groomsman Kit, is another cast member with a major 2025 project. Known for his distinctive voice work and comedic roles in shows like Arrested Development, Arnett is taking a more reflective turn. He co-wrote and starred in the 2025 comedy-drama film Is This Thing On?, which explores stand-up comedy with a therapeutic and dramatic measure. The film, which he developed with Bradley Cooper, highlights his ability to shift between broad comedy and nuanced, dramatic performance.

The Monster-in-Law Legacy: Why It Still Resonates

The enduring appeal of Monster-in-Law lies in its universal theme: the struggle for acceptance from a future in-law. The film expertly balanced the over-the-top antics of Viola Fields with the genuine heart of Charlie Cantilini's desire for a family. This dynamic, and the strong performances by Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda, is what makes the 2005 movie a comfort watch for generations.

The film’s legacy is not just in its box office success, but in launching a new phase for its stars. From Jennifer Lopez's ambitious musical shift to Jane Fonda's impactful climate change activism, and the dramatic career pivots of Adam Scott and Will Arnett, the cast of Monster-in-Law continues to prove that they are forces to be reckoned with in every corner of the entertainment and political landscape. Their 2025 projects ensure that the names associated with this classic rom-com remain current and relevant.