George Clooney Wanted Everyone to Stop Calling Adam Sandler “Sandman” on Jay Kelly Set

The Oscar winner banned Sandler’s nickname to help the comedian be taken more seriously for his dramatic role in their upcoming Netflix film.

In his new Netflix film Jay Kelly, George Clooney made one rule crystal clear: no one on set was allowed to call Adam Sandler by his famous nickname, “Sandman.” Clooney revealed at the film’s AFI Fest premiere that he wanted to change the tone around Sandler’s image and ensure that everyone treated him as the serious actor he truly is. “You get treated the way you treat yourself,” Clooney explained. “This was a different kind of role for Adam, and I wanted to make sure he wasn’t making fun of his incredible talent. He likes to deflect, and I was like, ‘You know what, dude, you’re really good in this film, and you’re a really good actor—let’s not just make jokes.’”

Sandler, with his trademark humor, joked, “I still call myself the Sandman; he can’t stop me,” but admitted that he appreciated Clooney’s gesture. “He’s very protective over me. He’s a really nice guy,” Sandler said. “We’d do all these deep scenes together, and he’d say, ‘I just want people to recognize that,’ and I’d say, ‘I’m OK, I just like working hard,’ and he’d insist, ‘No.’ He’s always looking out for me.”

Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach and co-written with Emily Mortimer, stars Clooney as Jay Kelly, a celebrated movie star who embarks on a soul-searching trip through Europe with his devoted manager Ron, played by Sandler. The story explores ambition, sacrifice, and the delicate balance between personal fulfillment and professional success. Baumbach reportedly wrote the role of Ron specifically for Sandler, saying the film reflects “everyone who works hard and the toll it takes on their family and themselves.”

Greta Gerwig, who plays Sandler’s on-screen wife, also shares the screen with Sandler’s real-life daughter, Sadie Sandler. “Greta was fantastic and so kind to my daughter,” Sandler said. “They did a lot of scenes together and got very close.” The film also features Laura Dern, Riley Keough, and Billy Crudup in supporting roles.

Following its debut at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year, Jay Kelly is slated for a limited theatrical release in mid-November, before arriving on Netflix in December 2025. The movie is already earning buzz for showcasing Sandler in a more grounded, dramatic avatar—something Clooney clearly championed from day one.

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