George Clooney and Adam Sandler will star together in the upcoming film Jay Kelly, which is scheduled to premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August 2025. This highly anticipated Netflix release marks a significant change in tone for Sandler, blending comedy and drama as the story follows the duo on a journey across Europe.
Overview of ‘Jay Kelly’ and Its Festival Debut
Jay Kelly is directed by Noah Baumbach, an acclaimed filmmaker nominated for an Academy Award. The film revolves around Jay Kelly, an aging movie star played by George Clooney, and his long-term manager Ron, portrayed by Adam Sandler, embarking on a road trip through Europe. The film’s premiere at Venice positions it as a serious contender for 2026 awards season recognition.
Reportedly, Baumbach has kept much of the plot under wraps ahead of the Venice debut. However, the official Netflix synopsis reveals that the journey forces both men to reflect on their personal decisions, their relationships with those close to them, and the legacies they hope to leave behind.
The Premise and Central Themes
Jay Kelly explores themes of aging, friendship, and reconciliation as the two protagonists confront pivotal moments in their lives during their European road trip. Clooney’s character is an actor confronting the realities of his career’s later stage, while Sandler’s character supports him through this phase, providing a dynamic that blends heartfelt emotion with subtle humor.
Leading Roles and Notable Cast Members
George Clooney takes the title role of Jay Kelly, a fading star coming to terms with aging in the entertainment industry. Clooney has noted the rarity of such roles at this stage in his career:
“When you’re an actor in my position, at my age, finding roles like this aren’t all that common,” —George Clooney, Actor
“If you can’t make peace with aging, then you’ve got to get out of the business and just disappear. I’m now the guy that, when I go running after a bad guy, it’s funny — it’s not suspenseful. That’s okay. I embrace all of that.” —George Clooney, Actor
Adam Sandler plays Ron, Jay Kelly’s devoted manager. Clooney emphasized Sandler’s dramatic range beyond his widely recognized comedic persona:
“This film, more than any film Adam has done, shows what a beautiful, heartfelt, soulful actor he is — 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,’” —George Clooney, Actor
“Because of what [Adam’s] 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.” —George Clooney, Actor
Supporting roles feature a strong ensemble cast. Laura Dern plays Jay’s publicist, while Billy Crudup appears as an old acting friend. Jay Kelly’s daughters are portrayed by Riley Keough and Grace Edwards. Other prominent actors include Patrick Wilson, Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, Eve Hewson, and Louis Partridge, enriching the film’s depth and character relationships.
Greta Gerwig, married to director Noah Baumbach, takes on the role of Ron’s wife, and Emily Mortimer, who co-wrote the script with Baumbach, also joins the cast.
Shooting Locations and Production Timeline
Filming began in New York City in March 2024, later moving to locations in London and Tuscany. Production wrapped by May 2024, giving the creative team ample time for post-production ahead of the Venice Film Festival screening. This schedule highlights Netflix’s commitment to positioning Jay Kelly as a major festival and awards contender.
Upcoming Screenings and Release Schedule
Jay Kelly will make its world premiere on August 28, 2025, at the Venice International Film Festival, where it will compete for the Golden Lion Award, previously won by films such as Brokeback Mountain and Joker. Following Venice, it will be part of the 2025 New York Film Festival lineup in September and October, sharing the stage with other notable titles including Idris Elba’s political thriller A House of Dynamite, Bradley Cooper‘s directorial project Is This Thing On?, and Julia Roberts’ drama After the Hunt.
The film is slated for a limited theatrical release beginning November 14, 2025, before debuting globally on Netflix on December 5, 2025. This rollout allows for both traditional cinematic exposure and broad streaming availability.
Industry Implications and Future Prospects
Jay Kelly marks an important collaborative effort among producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, who are also involved in Amazon’s forthcoming James Bond film. This project serves as a creative proving ground for the duo, underscoring the shifting dynamics in Hollywood production partnerships. For Clooney, this film represents a notable pivot to more reflective roles, while Sandler exhibits his dramatic capabilities, potentially reshaping public perceptions of his range.
With its Venice Festival premiere and Netflix backing, Jay Kelly is poised to influence awards season conversations and highlight the evolving careers of its key players. Audiences can expect a thoughtful, nuanced exploration of fame, aging, and personal legacy through the lens of two very different men bound by loyalty and change.
