Enter into Noah Baumbach’s star-studded Netflix drama
Netflix is gearing up to deliver yet another cinematic knockout this awards season, and it comes wrapped in the form of Jay Kelly — the newest film from Academy Award-nominated director Noah Baumbach. In an inspired pairing that already has cinephiles buzzing, George Clooney and Adam Sandler headline the poignant dramedy, which just dropped its highly anticipated teaser trailer. The film will arrive in select theaters on November 17th ahead of its global streaming premiere on December 5th.
Set against the backdrop of a soulful European journey, Jay Kelly centers on Clooney as the titular character — a world-famous actor grappling with legacy, mortality, and meaning. Alongside him every step of the way is Ron, his loyal manager and best friend, played by a refreshingly grounded Adam Sandler. What begins as a picturesque getaway quickly turns into an intimate and existential road trip filled with laughter, life lessons, and long-overdue conversations.
Baumbach, known for Marriage Story and The Squid and the Whale, directs and co-writes the film alongside actress and screenwriter Emily Mortimer, who also stars in the film. The project seamlessly fuses his signature sharp wit with a more reflective tone — exploring what it means to age in the spotlight and the friendships that sustain us through life’s unpredictable arcs.
The ensemble cast reads like a who’s who of Hollywood talent. Jay Kelly features powerhouse performances from Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Greta Gerwig, Patrick Wilson, Riley Keough, Isla Fisher, Eve Hewson, and Louis Partridge, with special appearances by Jamie Demetriou, Stacy Keach, and rising star Grace Edwards. Each brings depth and dynamic energy to Baumbach’s textured narrative, creating a film that feels as intimate as it is expansive.
For Clooney and Sandler, Jay Kelly represents a refreshing shift into more emotionally resonant territory. Clooney, no stranger to prestige projects, delivers a nuanced performance with his signature charisma, while Sandler continues his acclaimed trajectory into serious storytelling, reminiscent of his standout turns in Uncut Gems and Hustle.
The film also marks yet another high-profile collaboration between Sandler and Netflix, hot on the heels of the long-awaited Happy Gilmore 2. Netflix’s 2025 film slate continues to impress, with upcoming releases like Chris Columbus’ The Thursday Murder Club, Simon Stone’s The Woman in Cabin 10 starring Keira Knightley, and Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out installment, Wake Up Dead Man.
If the teaser is any indication, Jay Kelly is set to be one of Netflix’s most talked-about films of the year. A touching exploration of fame, friendship, and the universal desire to leave something meaningful behind. If you haven’t yet, watch the first teaser for Jay Kelly above and catch the film in select theaters before its Netflix debut.