First Look: George Clooney and Adam Sandler Team Up in Noah Baumbach’s ‘Jay Kelly’

Noah Baumbach’s new film, Jay Kelly, is already creating buzz ahead of its release. The coming-of-age comedy-drama stars George Clooney and Adam Sandler, and Vanity Fair has shared an exclusive first look at the movie. This has fans excited to see what the acclaimed director and talented cast have in store.

Jay Kelly follows the story of a famous actor named Jay Kelly, played by George Clooney, and his manager Ron, played by Adam Sandler. The two travel through Europe together, reflecting on their lives, relationships, and the choices they’ve made.

The film explores themes of friendship, legacy, and self-discovery. Alongside Clooney and Sandler, the cast includes Laura Dern as Jay’s publicist, Billy Crudup as Jay’s close friend who never quite made it big, and Riley Keough as Jay’s eldest daughter, among others. The movie also features performances by Greta Gerwig, Jim Broadbent, and Emily Mortimer, who co-wrote the script with Baumbach.

The film was announced in December 2023 as part of Baumbach’s new deal with Netflix. Amy Pascal and David Heyman produce the project through their Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films labels. Filming started in March 2024 and took place in New York City, London, and Tuscany.

The cinematographer Linus Sandgren, known for his work on other visually stunning movies, shot the film on 35mm film, marking his first collaboration with Baumbach. Editor Valerio Bonelli is handling the post-production work. Composer Nicholas Britell is set to score the film, adding to its strong creative team.

Jay Kelly is set to premiere in the main competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2025, where it’s nominated for the prestigious Golden Lion award. The film will be released in select theaters on November 14, 2025, before arriving on Netflix globally on December 5.

Vanity Fair’s exclusive first look gives fans a glimpse into the film’s tone and style, showing Baumbach’s signature blend of sharp writing and emotional depth. With such a strong cast and creative team, Jay Kelly promises to be a memorable film.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!