Alright, listen up, movie fans! Adam Sandler, the king of comfort wear, pulled a fast one on us at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. He actually swapped his signature baggy sweatpants for a sharp suit! Yes, you read that right. The internet nearly broke.
Sandler, who is 58, stepped onto the red carpet this past Thursday, August 28th. He looked incredibly dapper in a navy-blue suit. This was a huge shift from the super casual clothes he usually wears to big public events. He kept a bit of his laid-back vibe, though, by pairing the suit with black leather sneakers and skipping the tie. Plus, he rocked a distinguished graying beard for the occasion.
He wasn’t alone on the red carpet. Sandler posed for photos with a star-studded group. Director Noah Baumbach, who helmed their new film Jay Kelly, was there. So were co-stars Greta Gerwig, Riley Keough, Billy Crudup, Laura Dern, and Alba Rohrwacher. Sandler seemed to be having a blast, flashing a peace sign and cracking up with his fellow actors for the cameras.
A New Side of Sandler
This trip to Venice wasn’t just about looking good; it was for his new movie, Jay Kelly. According to Tudum, the film tells the story of "famous movie actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) and his devoted agent Ron (Adam Sandler)." They "embark on a dizzying and unexpectedly deep journey through Europe." The story sounds pretty serious, as "both are forced to confront the decisions they have made, their relationships with loved ones, and the legacies they will leave behind." It seems like a role that really lets Sandler stretch his acting muscles beyond his usual comedy.
Sandler himself reflected on playing Ron, a part quite different from his well-known comedic characters. "Being in this film and not just looking for jokes and funny moments, that’s what’s incredible," he told reporters at the Jay Kelly press conference during the festival. He shared how proud he felt working with Noah Baumbach again. "I’ve made two films with Noah, and I couldn’t be prouder of the emotion he conveys," Sandler added. "He knows how to do everything and then finds room to make you laugh. All our characters give you a moment to laugh and feel pain. As an actor, when you read a script like this, you say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I’m getting this gift!’"
Billy Crudup, Laura Dern, Noah Baumbach, and Adam Sandler. Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
Where Was George?
The film also stars the legendary George Clooney, who is 64. Sadly, Clooney wasn’t able to join the rest of the cast for the press events or a dinner on Wednesday, August 27th. Why the absence? A representative for Clooney told People that "George has a sinus infection and, by doctor’s orders, had to reduce his activities today."
During the official press conference for Jay Kelly, the moderator made sure to address Clooney’s absence. "As you know, George Clooney will not be here because he has a severe sinus infection," the moderator explained. "We really hope, and I think he should, be on the red carpet tonight. But he is very sorry he cannot be with us." It’s a bummer he missed out, but health comes first!
If you’re eager to catch Jay Kelly, mark your calendars! The movie hits select theaters on November 14th. Then, it will make its global debut on Netflix on December 5th.