The Iconic Cast Of Monster-in-Law: Where Are They Now 20 Years Later? (2025 Update)

The 2005 romantic comedy Monster-in-Law remains a beloved classic, an essential entry in the genre that pitted two Hollywood powerhouses, Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda, against each other in a battle of wills. The film, which premiered on May 13, 2005, is nearing its 20th anniversary, making the current date of December 18, 2025, the perfect time to look back at the stellar ensemble cast that brought the hilarious, high-stakes mother-in-law vs. daughter-in-law feud to life. From its main stars to the scene-stealing supporting players, the actors have gone on to forge incredible careers in film, television, and comedy. What are the actors from Monster-in-Law doing now, and what surprising new projects have they been working on in 2024 and 2025?

The film was not just a box office hit; it was a significant career moment for several of its stars. For one of the leads, it marked a triumphant return to the big screen after a long hiatus. For others, it was a stepping stone to critically acclaimed television work and continued dominance in the comedy world. Prepare to be surprised by who has retired and who recently reunited on screen!

The Main Cast: From Charlie and Viola to Today’s Headlines

The core conflict of Monster-in-Law centered on the volatile relationship between Charlie Cantilini and Viola Fields, played by Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda, respectively, and the man caught in the middle, Dr. Kevin Fields, played by Michael Vartan. Here is a look at their careers and recent activities as of late 2024 and 2025.

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Jennifer Lopez as Charlotte "Charlie" Cantilini

Biography and Profile: Jennifer Lopez, born July 24, 1969, in The Bronx, New York, is a global icon known for her work as an actress, singer, dancer, and producer. She rose to fame with the title role in the 1997 biopic Selena and has since starred in numerous successful romantic comedies, including The Wedding Planner and Maid in Manhattan. Her music career has produced hits like "Jenny from the Block" and "On the Floor." She is often referred to by her nickname, J.Lo, and is a major figure in pop culture and business.

The Latest Update (2024-2025): Jennifer Lopez remains one of the busiest stars in Hollywood. In 2024, she released the ambitious musical film and album, This Is Me... Now, which served as a deeply personal exploration of her love life and marriage to Ben Affleck. This project notably featured a cameo from her former Monster-in-Law co-star, Jane Fonda, marking a sweet reunion nearly two decades later. Beyond her film and music work, J.Lo continues to be a major force in fashion, business, and production. A surprising anecdote that surfaced recently involved the filming of Monster-in-Law, where Jane Fonda revealed that J.Lo had accidentally cut her above the eye during the famous slapping scene and never apologized, a moment that is now part of the film's iconic lore.

Jane Fonda as Viola Fields

Biography and Profile: Jane Fonda, born December 21, 1937, in New York City, is an Academy Award-winning actress, political activist, and fitness guru. Her illustrious career includes films like Klute and Coming Home. Prior to Monster-in-Law, she had taken a 15-year hiatus from acting, making her role as the manipulative and controlling Viola Fields a highly anticipated comeback.

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The Latest Update (2024-2025): Monster-in-Law is widely credited by Fonda herself as the film that successfully restarted her acting career in 2005. Since then, she has enjoyed a late-career resurgence, starring in the critically acclaimed series *The Newsroom* and the massively popular Netflix comedy *Grace and Frankie*, which concluded its seven-season run in 2022. In 2024, she made a brief but memorable appearance in Jennifer Lopez’s *This Is Me... Now*, delighting fans of the original romantic comedy classic. Fonda remains an outspoken climate activist, using her platform to advocate for environmental change, which is a major focus of her work in 2025.

Michael Vartan as Dr. Kevin Fields

Biography and Profile: Michael Vartan, born November 27, 1968, in Paris, France, is an American-French actor best known for his role as Dr. Kevin Fields in Monster-in-Law and as Agent Michael Vaughn on the hit ABC spy drama Alias (2001–2006). He often played the charming, reliable leading man in romantic and action roles.

The Latest Update (2024-2025): Of the main trio, Vartan has had the quietest career in recent years. While he had a successful run on the TV series *Bates Motel* after Monster-in-Law, his acting credits have become sparse. Reports suggest that Vartan has largely stepped away from the spotlight, with his last major acting credit listed as 2018. This suggests that the actor who played the handsome doctor caught between his fiancé and his mother may be enjoying a quiet, semi-retired life, a stark contrast to the high-profile careers of his co-stars J.Lo and Jane Fonda.

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Scene-Stealers: The Supporting Cast’s Biggest Successes

The film’s humor was elevated significantly by its supporting cast, who provided the necessary comic relief and grounded the main characters. These actors have gone on to achieve major success, particularly in the realm of television comedy and prestige drama.

Wanda Sykes as Ruby

Biography and Profile: Wanda Sykes, born March 7, 1964, in Portsmouth, Virginia, is an Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian, actress, and writer. She is known for her sharp wit and distinctive voice, and her role as Ruby, Viola’s loyal and long-suffering assistant, was a fan favorite in Monster-in-Law.

The Latest Update (2024-2025): Wanda Sykes continues to be a major force in comedy. She currently stars in and co-showruns the critically acclaimed Netflix comedy series *The Upshaws*, which centers on a working-class African American family in Indiana. In addition to her television work, Sykes has announced a major stand-up tour for 2025, confirming her continued dominance in the live comedy circuit. Sykes has also been open about the possibility of a sequel, having reportedly discussed *Monster-in-Law 2* with Jane Fonda, keeping hope alive for fans of the original.

Adam Scott as Remy

Biography and Profile: Adam Scott, born April 3, 1973, in Santa Cruz, California, is an actor, comedian, and podcast host. In Monster-in-Law, he played Remy, Charlie’s gay best friend and confidante. While a supporting role, the film helped pave the way for his future success in both comedy and drama.

The Latest Update (2024-2025): Scott’s career has exploded, making him one of the most recognizable faces from the cast. He is the lead star of the critically acclaimed and Emmy-nominated Apple TV+ psychological thriller series *Severance*, with Season 2 being highly anticipated for a 2025 release. His role as Mark Scout in *Severance* is a dramatic departure from the comedic Remy. In 2024, he also appeared on the big screen in the Marvel film *Madame Web*. His ability to effortlessly transition between high-concept drama and comedy (like the revival of his sitcom *Party Down*) cements his status as a versatile A-list actor.

The Lingering Question: Will There Be a Monster-in-Law 2?

The enduring popularity of the film, especially as it approaches its two-decade milestone, has fueled persistent rumors and discussions about a sequel. The idea of *Monster-in-Law 2* has become a popular talking point among the cast and fans alike, especially given the recent reunion of J.Lo and Jane Fonda in *This Is Me... Now*.

The Sequel and TV Adaptation Buzz

While no official, confirmed *Monster-in-Law 2* movie has been greenlit by a major studio as of late 2024, the discussion is very much alive. A key piece of news is the report of a television series adaptation. This TV series is rumored to serve as a loose sequel to the original film, exploring the next chapter of the Fields family dynamics. The concept of a TV show would allow for a deeper dive into the characters and their evolving relationships, potentially bringing back fan-favorite characters like Ruby and Charlie’s friends.

The cast members themselves have expressed interest. Wanda Sykes mentioned having conversations with Jane Fonda about the possibility of a sequel, indicating that the idea is not off the table. The persistent buzz and the stars' willingness to revisit the project suggest that while a direct movie sequel might be challenging to coordinate, the spirit of the *Monster-in-Law* conflict could certainly live on, either on the big screen or as a new television series.

Other Notable Entities from the Monster-in-Law Universe

To fully appreciate the film, it is important to remember the other key players and creative forces that contributed to its success, which helped establish it as one of the most quotable romantic comedy classics of the 2000s.

• Monet Mazur (Fiona): Charlie’s other friend, Fiona, was played by Monet Mazur. Since the film, Mazur is best known for her long-running role as Laura Fine-baker on The CW drama series *All American*.
• Will Arnett (Kit): The actor who played Kit, Kevin’s friend, is now an established voice actor and comedian, famous for roles in *Arrested Development*, *BoJack Horseman*, and *The Lego Batman Movie*.
• Elaine Stritch (Gertrude): The legendary Broadway and film actress played Gertrude, Viola’s friend. Stritch passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable stage and screen performances.
• Robert Luketic (Director): The film was directed by Robert Luketic, who is known for other successful romantic comedies like *Legally Blonde* and *The Ugly Truth*.
• Anya Kochoff (Writer): The screenplay was written by Anya Kochoff, whose work created the sharp, witty dialogue that made the rivalry between Charlie and Viola so memorable.

In conclusion, the cast of Monster-in-Law has only seen their stars rise in the two decades since the film’s premiere. Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda continue to dominate the entertainment landscape, while Wanda Sykes and Adam Scott have found massive success in television. Even as Michael Vartan enjoys a more private life, the collective legacy of this iconic romantic comedy endures, proving that a truly great cast can turn a simple premise into a timeless piece of pop culture history.