The actor has already appeared in one of the streamer’s biggest films of the year
An ‘outstanding’ Netflix film that’s just been added to the streaming service has left fans demanding that a ‘sensational’ comedy legend wins his first Oscar after over three decades in the industry.
It was a busy day for Netflix on Friday (December 5), with it confirmed that they have agreed to buy Warner Bros Discovery film and TV studios business in a $72 billion US (£54 billion) deal. The news emerged just hours after they emerged as the front-runner to buy the business, which owns franchises such as Harry Potter and Batman, following an auction process.
The deal could dramatically further reshape the established Hollywood film and TV industry as we know it, which has already faced significant upheaval amid the rapid growth of streaming.
Netflix managed to win the battle with Paramount Skydance and Sky owner Comcast to buy the studio business, which also runs HBO and fellow streaming service HBO Max. The deal will close after Warner Bros Discovery completes a proposed spin-off of its cable channels, which include CNN, TBS and TNT Sports in the UK.
Ted Sarandos, co-chief executive of Netflix, said: “Our mission has always been to entertain the world. By combining Warner Bros’ incredible library of shows and movies — from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favourites like Harry Potter and Friends — with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better.
“Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.” David Zaslav, president and chief executive of Warner Bros Discovery, added : “Today’s announcement combines two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world to bring to even more people the entertainment they love to watch the most.”
With lots of questions popping up on social media about what the deal will mean for cinemas around the world, Netflix also added one of their latest awards hopefuls on Friday. Titled Jay Kelly, the film is the latest from Noah Baumbach, best known for his work on Marriage Story and The Squid and the Whale.
Its synopsis reads: “Famous movie star Jay Kelly and his devoted manager, Ron, embark on an unexpectedly profound journey through Europe. Along the way, both men confront the choices they’ve made, relationships with loved ones, and the legacies they’ll leave behind.”
Playing the titular role of Jay Kelly is none other than George Clooney. The actor, who rose to fame on ER, has had a difficult few years, with films such as Apple TV’s Wolf, The Flash and Ticket to Paradise failing to live up to expectations.
With Clooney back on the top of his game, joining him as Ron is Adam Sandler. The comedian had a summer to remember this year with the long-awaited Happy Gilmore 2 one of Netflix’s most watched movies of 2025.
Despite being known as a comic, Sander’s true fans know that he’s at his best when he’s given a meaty role to sink his teeth into. Whether it’s Punch Drunk Love or Uncut Gems, there’s few actors better than him when he moves away from playing man childs.
Jay Kelly’s stacked cast also features Jurassic Park’s Laura Dern, The Morning Show’s Billy Cruddup, Mad Max’s Riley Keogh, Bridget Jones’ Jim Broadbent and The Conjuring’s Patrick Wilson. According to fans on Letterboxd, Jay Kelly is very much a film to watch for Sandler.
@Srirachachau said: “A lot more sentimental than I was expecting, but there’s an interesting tension there with Baumbach’s natural inclination to dig into the thorny. Sandler 100% the MVP, he’s straight up great in this@cinemonika added: “and if i said adam sandler deserves an oscar nomination for this one, what then?”
@ChristianHa wrote: “George Clooney and Adam Sandler work surprisingly well together in this film. Their chemistry gives Jay Kelly a grounded, human feel that I wasn’t expecting.” @BenDavidGrabinski stated: “Baumbach and the Sandman. What a team. This really really really did it for me. A+.”
@dafnekeen commented: “Loved this one, what a beautiful portrayal of remembrance, regret, guilt, fatherhood and lack there of. Such a detailed look at the Hollywood lifestyle and how incredibly narcissist producing it is.” @andrwb94 posted: “Baumbach directed Clooney and Sandler, god I love the movies. Jay Kelly felt to me like a really touching, sincere and funny fictionalised tribute to film and George Clooney’s work, I couldn’t help but love it especially his chemistry with everyone involved, a really charming film.”
