George Clooney Praises Adam Sandler in New Film 'Jay Kelly'

Los Angeles, Aug 7 (PTI) - Hollywood icon George Clooney has heaped praise on his "Jay Kelly" co-star Adam Sandler, lauding him as “not just a great comedian” but also a “soulful actor.” Collaborating for the first time, the two luminaries of the silver screen join forces in this drama helmed by director Noah Baumbach.

Clooney shared his insights with Vanity Fair, saying, "I kept telling the cast, ‘Don’t call him Sand Man. Don’t talk to him like he’s just some goofy comedian.' He’s actually a really beautiful, wonderful actor."

He further stated, “Because of what his paycheck is, which is doing big goofy comedies, when he does these other, beautiful, Uncut Gems kinds of movies, it reminds people of that. He’s not just a good comedian.”

Clooney takes center stage in "Jay Kelly," portraying the titular character—an internationally renowned movie star in his 60s confronting a personal reckoning as he attends an Italian film festival to receive a tribute award.

Accompanying him, Laura Dern features as Jay’s publicist, while Sandler assumes the role of his manager.

On the subject of the film, Clooney remarked, "This film, more than any film Adam has done, shows what a beautiful, heartfelt, soulful actor he is.” Sandler, known for comedies such as “Just Go With It” and “Grown Ups,” has previously extended his acting repertoire with dramatic performances in films like “Punch Drunk Love” and 2017's “The Meyerowitz Stories,” the latter also directed by Baumbach.

“Jay Kelly” is slated for a US theatrical release on November 14, followed by its Netflix premiere on December 5.