Edward Burns directs and stars in The Family McMullen, a long-awaited sequel to his 1995 indie hit The Brothers McMullen, arriving on HBO Max on December 5, 2025. The film follows the McMullen brothers as fiftysomethings reuniting amid family tensions and loss. Featuring a returning cast including Mike McGlone and newcomer Connie Britton, it blends family drama with romantic comedy elements.
Background and Context
The Family McMullen marks the return of writer-actor-director Edward Burns to the McMullen universe, 30 years after The Brothers McMullen premiered at Sundance and became an indie sensation. The original film captured the lives of Irish-American brothers navigating relationships and personal struggles. This sequel picks up with Barry (Burns) and Patrick (Mike McGlone) McMullen as middle-aged men, while their older brother Jack has passed away, leaving his widow Molly (Connie Britton) to mediate family gatherings at their Queens home.
Plot Details
The story centers on the McMullen clan reuniting to celebrate new loves and confront old grudges. Molly steps into a key role, grappling with her husband's loss while holding the family together. The narrative explores modern relationships, generational humor, and the passage of time, staying true to the original's low-budget, authentic indie roots. It mixes heartfelt drama with doses of romantic comedy, making family dynamics feel relatable and real.
Cast and Reception
Burns reprises his role alongside McGlone, with Britton delivering a standout performance as the resilient widow. The ensemble highlights themes of loss, love, and reconciliation. Early descriptions position it as ideal holiday viewing for fans of character-driven stories, emphasizing emotional depth without over-sentimentality.
Premiere Information
The Family McMullen premieres exclusively on HBO Max on December 5, 2025, fitting into the platform's diverse December lineup of dramas and documentaries. It offers a nostalgic yet fresh take on family bonds, appealing to longtime fans and new audiences alike.