George Clooney’s Unique Approach to Adam Sandler on Set
In a bid to elevate Adam Sandler’s performance in their new film, George Clooney implemented a distinctive rule on set: he requested that the cast refrain from calling Sandler by his nickname, "Sandman." Clooney’s intention was to help the iconic comedian be taken more seriously in his role. During the film’s premiere at the AFI Fest, Clooney shared his reasoning with The Hollywood Reporter, stating, “You get treated the way you treat yourself. This was a different kind of role for Adam, and I wanted to ensure he wasn’t downplaying his incredible talent. He has a tendency to deflect, and I wanted him to recognize that he’s genuinely talented and to focus on the seriousness of his work.”
In this Netflix film, Clooney portrays Jay Kelly, a movie star who experiences a life-altering epiphany and embarks on a journey across Europe with his loyal manager, played by Sandler. When asked about Clooney’s request, Sandler humorously responded, “I still call myself the Sandman; he can’t stop me,” while expressing gratitude for Clooney’s supportive approach. “He’s very protective of me and is an incredibly nice guy,” Sandler said. “We shared many deep scenes together, and he would emphasize the importance of recognition for my work. I told him I was fine just focusing on the craft, but he insisted on my talent being acknowledged.”
The film’s screenplay, crafted by Noah Baumbach and co-writer Emily Mortimer, was specifically tailored for Sandler. He described the narrative as one that resonates with “everyone who works hard and strives for excellence, highlighting the sacrifices that affect both family and self. It explores the tough choices we face between our commitments and what truly matters in life.”
In the movie, Greta Gerwig plays Sandler’s wife, and he reflected on their on-screen family dynamics, stating, “Greta was fantastic; she was incredibly kind to my daughter, Sadie, and they formed a close bond while working together.” Baumbach, who is married to Gerwig in real life, noted that he recognized early on that she would be perfect for the role, playfully adding, “I basically asked Greta, ‘What role are you going to play?’” He confirmed that she has first dibs on roles, joking, “While she couldn’t play Jay Kelly or Ron, she could take on almost any other character.”
Mark Your Calendars! Jay Kelly is set to hit select theaters on November 14 and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 5. Don’t miss this unique film that showcases the depth of talent from both Clooney and Sandler!
