Adam Sandler is slated for a new Netflix project with director Josh Safdie. Part of the former Safdie Brother directing duo, Josh Safdie made a break in independent film alongside brother Benny when he co-directed the 2017 film Good Time. From there, the Safdies went on to direct Uncut Gems in 2019, which starred Sandler in the leading role.
Now, according to Variety, Sandler will reunite with Josh Safdie on an upcoming Netflix project. This will be a comedy special that is as of yet untitled. Safdie will direct the special, which does not yet have a release date.
Adam Sandler Reunites with a Safdie Brother Following Safdie Brothers’ Split
Sandler and Safdie’s collaboration is particularly notable because it follows the official announcement of the Safdie Brothers creative split. After co-directing Uncut Gems with Josh, Benny Safdie spent the last few years of his career exploring independent creative avenues. This included creating, writing, and starring in The Curse, as well as further exploring his acting career through films like Pieces of a Woman, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Oppenheimer. In January, it was announced that the Safdie brothers would officially be parting ways.
One ramification of this career schism was the pausing of the Safdie Brothers’ previously-announced Sandler feature project. Also untitled, the film was set to star Sandler alongside singer Meghan Thee Stallion. While this project has not been outright scrapped, the project is indefinitely on pause. Signs towards its completion do not look hopeful, as when asked if he would ever return to working with Josh again, Benny Safdie responded a vague “I don’t know.”
Benny Safdie’s Oppenheimer Role Proves A Risky Career Pivot Will Work
Benny Safdie has purposefully disrupted his own promising progression as a filmmaker, but his Oppenheimer appearance seems to vindicate the decision.
In the wake of this project’s cancellation, it is good to see Josh Safdie find a project again. Benny Safdie has remained active in his career, and will soon continue his directorial work through the Dwayne Johnson-led film The Smashing Machine. Hopefully, Josh Safdie’s career can also continue to be successful as he teams up with Sandler and continues on his post-Safdie Brothers creative journey.
