Edward Burns Breaks Down the 30-Year Journey to The Family McMullen, Premiering December 5 on HBO Max

Key Points

• Edward Burns returns with The Family McMullen, a sequel to his 1995 Sundance hit The Brothers McMullen.
• The new film debuts December 5 on HBO Max, marking a 30-year gap between installments.
• Burns struggled for years to find the right story before landing on a modern family‑centric narrative.
• Original cast members, including Connie Britton, return alongside a new generation of actors.
• The sequel was filmed in Burns’ childhood home, adding authenticity and emotional resonance.

Edward Burns Revisits His Breakout Film Three Decades Later

Nearly 30 years after The Brothers McMullen premiered at Sundance and launched his career, Edward Burns is returning to the world that made him a breakout indie filmmaker. His long‑awaited sequel, The Family McMullen, arrives on HBO Max on December 5, offering a contemporary continuation of the McMullen family story.

The original 1995 film, famously produced on a shoestring budget, won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and was later acquired by Fox Searchlight, cementing Burns as a defining voice in 1990s independent cinema.

Why the Sequel Took 30 Years

Burns admits the road back to the McMullens was far from simple. For years, he struggled to find a story that felt worthy of revisiting the characters.

The breakthrough came when he read an article about young adults moving back in with their parents — a trend that sparked the idea for a new chapter centered on his character, Barry, and his two grown children returning home.

“It finally clicked,” Burns said. “That was the emotional entry point I’d been waiting for.”

Reuniting the Original Cast

Burns also made a point to reconnect with actors from the first film. He reached out to Connie Britton, hoping to expand her role and even considered positioning her character as a symbolic “third McMullen brother” within the family dynamic.

The sequel blends familiar faces with new talent, creating a bridge between generations.

A New Generation Joins the McMullens

To ensure the film reflected modern family life, Burns brought in a young ensemble cast — including Halston Sage, Sam Vartholomeos, and Pico Alexander — and encouraged them to reshape dialogue to sound authentic to their generation.

This collaborative approach helped the film maintain the grounded, conversational tone that defined the original while updating it for today’s audiences.

Key Cast:

• Edward Burns
• Connie Britton
• Halston Sage
• Sam Vartholomeos
• Brian d’Arcy James
• Tracee Ellis Ross

Filming in His Childhood Home

In a full‑circle moment, Burns shot the sequel in his childhood home — a location he reacquired specifically for the project. Initially, the new owners were hesitant, but a mutual friend helped secure permission.

The house, which served as a backdrop for the original film, adds a layer of nostalgia and authenticity that Burns considers essential to the story.

A Story Rooted in Authenticity and Modern Family Life

Burns says his goal was to blend humor, heart, and relatable family dynamics — the same ingredients that made The Brothers McMullen a cult favorite.

The Family McMullen aims to resonate with longtime fans while introducing the franchise to a new audience navigating contemporary issues like adult children returning home, shifting family roles, and generational tension.

What Happens Next?

With its mix of returning cast members, fresh talent, and a story grounded in today’s realities, The Family McMullen is positioned to attract both nostalgic viewers and newcomers. As the film begins streaming on HBO Max, Burns hopes it will spark renewed interest in the McMullen universe — and perhaps open the door for future installments.