LOS ANGELES — Josh Duhamel is embracing fatherhood with fresh enthusiasm at 53 as he and wife Audra Mari prepare to welcome their second child together — a baby girl — just weeks after the release of his new family comedy "Preschool," which he both directed and stars in.

Josh Duhamel
Josh Duhamel

The "Transformers" and "Ransom Canyon" actor opened up in recent interviews about the joy of adding a daughter to his blended family, calling the news "incredible" and saying he "cannot wait" to experience raising a girl after two sons. The pregnancy announcement came March 5 when Mari, 32, shared a heartfelt Instagram carousel of black-and-white photos highlighting her growing baby bump. "Adding a little girl to our story.. We can't wait to meet you," she wrote.

Duhamel and Mari, a former Miss World America who married in 2022, already share 2-year-old son Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel. Duhamel also shares 12-year-old son Axl Jack with ex-wife Fergie, the Black Eyed Peas singer, with whom he maintains a cordial co-parenting relationship. Fergie quickly reacted to the news in the comments section, writing "Welcome the cuteness! 💖💖," a gesture Duhamel later described as heartwarming.

In a chat with E! News while promoting "Preschool," Duhamel reflected on appreciating fatherhood more deeply this time around. "At this stage in life, you really understand how special these moments are," he said. "I've got my boys, and now a little girl on the way — it's different, and I'm soaking it all in." He cradled Mari's bump publicly at a special screening of his film in Beverly Hills on March 16, just days after the pregnancy reveal.

The couple's expanding family coincides with a busy career moment for Duhamel. His directorial debut, the comedy "Preschool," hit digital platforms March 17 via Paramount Movies. The film satirizes the cutthroat world of elite preschool admissions, following two rival dads — played by Duhamel and Michael Socha — battling for the last coveted spot at an ultra-posh London school. The ensemble cast includes Antonia Thomas, Charity Wakefield, Fenella Woolgar and James Cosmo.

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Duhamel said the story felt personal. "I just went through this with my 2-year-old," he told ABC7 Los Angeles. "Parents will do anything — it's hilarious and at times insane." He praised the script by Richard D'Ovidio for capturing the absurdity of competitive parenting while keeping the heart intact. Early reviews noted Duhamel's seamless balance of directing and starring, with one calling his dual role "impressive" and the film a "fun, relatable ride for any parent who's navigated school applications."

The project allowed Duhamel to draw directly from real life. Production wrapped shortly before Shepherd's own preschool journey began, giving the actor authentic insight into the parental frenzy depicted on screen. "It hits close to home," he said, adding that becoming a father again has only heightened his empathy for the characters' over-the-top antics.

Fans have embraced both the film and the pregnancy news, flooding social media with congratulations and requests for baby name hints. Duhamel has kept details private but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. "We feel so lucky," he shared in one recent interview. "Audra is doing amazing, and our boys are already excited about having a little sister."

Mari's pregnancy announcement featured elegant, artistic shots that quickly went viral, drawing praise for their simplicity and emotion. The former model has remained relatively low-key during this pregnancy compared with her first, focusing on family time with Shepherd while supporting Duhamel's promotional duties for "Preschool."

Duhamel's career has remained steady with roles in streaming hits like Netflix's "Ransom Canyon" alongside other high-profile projects. Transitioning behind the camera for "Preschool" marks a new chapter, one he says was made possible by a strong support system at home. "Audra has been incredible through all of this," he noted, crediting her patience during long editing sessions and promotional travel.

The blended family dynamic has drawn positive attention. Duhamel and Fergie finalized their divorce years ago but have prioritized Axl's well-being. The singer's warm reaction to the new baby underscored the amicable ties. "I can't believe how excited she is for us," Duhamel told one outlet, highlighting the modern family's ability to celebrate together.

As the due date approaches later in 2026, Duhamel plans to scale back work commitments to be present for the birth and early months. He has spoken openly about the differences in parenting across decades. "With Axl, I was in my 30s, working nonstop on big action films," he reflected. "Now, at 53, I have more perspective and more time to enjoy the little things — the tantrums, the giggles, all of it."

"Preschool" has sparked conversations about the pressures of modern parenting, from waitlists and recommendations to the emotional toll on families. Duhamel hopes the comedy provides laughs while reminding viewers not to lose sight of what matters. "At the end of the day, it's about the kids," he said. "Everything else is just noise."

Industry observers see the film as a smart pivot for Duhamel, showcasing his range beyond leading-man roles. With a PG-13 rating and family-friendly humor, "Preschool" targets parents who relate to the absurdity of elite education battles. Trailers highlighted over-the-top schemes and heartfelt moments, earning strong early social media buzz.

Duhamel has balanced promotion with quiet family moments. Recent sightings show the couple enjoying date nights and attending events together, with Duhamel often placing a protective hand on Mari's bump. The actor has teased that fatherhood to a daughter will bring new adventures, from tea parties to navigating teenage years with a different lens.

Friends and co-stars have sent well-wishes, with many noting Duhamel's grounded approach to fame and family. His ability to juggle a thriving career while prioritizing home life resonates with fans facing similar balancing acts.

As "Preschool" finds its audience on digital platforms, Duhamel continues fielding questions about both the movie and impending fatherhood. He remains coy on specifics like due dates or names but radiates genuine excitement. "This little girl is going to change everything in the best way," he said recently.

The story of Josh Duhamel's growing family and his directorial effort offers a feel-good narrative in Hollywood, where personal milestones often intersect with professional ones. For a star who rose to fame on "All My Children" and blockbuster franchises, these chapters highlight a man content in both worlds.

With baby girl on the horizon and "Preschool" now streaming, Duhamel appears poised for one of his most fulfilling years yet. As he told interviewers, the real reward lies not in box office numbers or headlines, but in the laughter filling his home — soon to include the sounds of a daughter joining two brothers.

Fans will no doubt keep watching for updates on the Duhamel household while enjoying the chaotic charm of "Preschool," a film that proves even Hollywood dads can find humor in the universal struggles of raising children.