THE WAR WITH GRANDPA is a laugh-out-loud, family-friendly adaptation of the award-winning novel by the same name. The story is about Peter (Oakes Fegley), a boy who is less than thrilled to have his grandfather (Robert De Niro) move into his bedroom. Peter’s ire is so high that he declares war on his elder, launching a series of outrageous pranks between the two relatives. It doesn’t take long before all their friends and family members are involved.
We got to sit down with the cast to discuss how this film was just as much fun to make as it is to watch.
Rob Riggle, who plays Peter’s father, said the playful atmosphere on set was a credit to the director Tim Hill. “He set a very good vibe, which made everybody kind of relaxed and at ease. We all knew we were there to have a good time and make a comedy.”
Jane Seymour plays a friend of De Niro’s character who gets pulled into the prank war. She said, “Everyone’s just so quick, everyone is top of their game. It was bliss.” Cheech Marin chimed in to say, “I’m playing dodgeball with Robert De Niro, so you know, how much better can that get?”
We put the cast to the test to find out, in a real prank war, which of their co-stars they would want on their team. Without hesitation, Rob Riggle proclaimed, “Uma Thurman! There’s something about her. I’m not messing with her ever!”
Bringing things full circle, young star Oakes Fegley said “Rob Riggle.” Oakes explained that “he would have been the best prankster out of the cast.” Co-star Laura Marano, who plays Peter’s sister in the film, agreed, adding, “I totally agree with that. I’d also put Jane Seymour and Cheech Marin on the team because I feel like they have a sense of mischief as well.”