Adam Sandler Dives Into Drama in Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly

Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, the dramedy pairs Sandler with George Clooney in a story of stardom, self-reflection, and the search for legacy.

Noah Baumbach’s newest film, the dramedy Jay Kelly, features Adam Sandler in one of his most unexpected turns yet. Known primarily for broad comedies, Sandler now plays Ron, the devoted manager of fading Hollywood star Jay Kelly, portrayed by George Clooney. The film had its world premiere on August 28, 2025, in competition at the Venice Film Festival.

Speaking at the festival press event, Sandler said he relished the chance to step away from comedic beats and fully embrace a role built on emotional depth. “When you read a script like this, you say, ‘Holy shit, I can’t believe I’m getting this gift,’” he shared.

Baumbach, who previously collaborated with Sandler on The Meyerowitz Stories, praised his actor’s ability to remain grounded while delivering layered performances. He contrasted Sandler’s steady presence in life with the instability of Jay Kelly, who wrestles with identity and self-worth throughout the film.

Sandler, who often travels with his family during productions, added that while it’s not always possible, “FaceTime is nice too.” His co-star Laura Dern, playing Jay’s publicist, also reflected on the importance of Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes figures. Having grown up in the industry, she called her own longtime publicist “another mother figure” who helped guide her both professionally and personally.

Clooney, however, was notably absent from the press conference due to a sinus infection, though he was expected to attend the red-carpet premiere later that evening. Dern spoke warmly of his performance, calling it “a remarkable, raw, and true gift.”

Jay Kelly follows an aging actor on a whirlwind journey across Europe with his loyal manager, confronting old regrets, fractured relationships, and questions of legacy. Baumbach described the story as “the search for selfhood,” written with Clooney in mind for the title role to reflect the audience’s long history with him as a screen presence.

The film drew an extended standing ovation—lasting more than eight minutes—at its Venice premiere, fueling early awards season buzz. Produced by Amy Pascal, David Heyman, and Baumbach, it is one of three Netflix films competing on the Lido this year, alongside Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.

Jay Kelly opens in select theaters on November 14, 2025, before streaming worldwide on Netflix from December 5.