Adam Sandler Says He ‘Lucked’ Into ‘Jay Kelly’ Role With George Clooney, Gives ‘Grown Ups 3’ Update (Exclusive)

Adam Sandler is back on the big screen — and giving a major update on a third Grown Ups movie.

Sandler starred alongside Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade and Rob Schneider in the hit 2010 comedy about five childhood friends who reunite after three decades for the July 4 weekend. The film, which also starred Salma Hayek and Maya Rudolph, grossed over $270 million worldwide and spawned a 2013 sequel, Grown Ups 2, which also made over $200 million at the box office.

More than a decade later, rumors are swirling that the gang could get back together for a third installment in the franchise. On Thursday, October 23, Movieweb reported that a sequel could be in the works, citing a production listing that claimed filming will take place in Vancouver next February.

Us Weekly caught up with Sandler, 59, on Thursday at the AFI Fest premiere of his latest movie, Jay Kelly, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, where the comedian gave Us an exclusive update on the film.

“You know what? I don’t know what’s going to happen … if we’re just trying to do a lot of stuff,” he said of reuniting the in-demand cast for a threequel.

Sandler continued, “I would love it. We’d love it. Everybody’s working on stuff. To be with those guys would be incredible. I had the best time making both those movies, but we don’t know what the hell is happening quite yet.”

In a July interview with The Direct, James, 60, teased a potential Grown Ups sequel when he was asked if there had been “any recent conversations” about the film. “Fans are still hoping one day to see a Grown Ups 3. Can we keep hope alive?” James was quizzed by the outlet.

The actor responded, “I think there have been. And I think, yeah, I think you can keep hope alive. I can say that. I would keep a lot of hope alive. And I think it’s happening — something’s happening. I can say that.”

Sandler walked the red carpet at Thursday’s AFI Fest premiere of Jay Kelly on Thursday alongside his wife, Jackie Sandler, and posed for photos with costar George Clooney. AFI Fest 2025 began on Wednesday, October 22, and concludes on Sunday, October 26. FIJI Water returned as the official water of the festival.

Jay Kelly follows a famous actor, played by Clooney, 64, and his relationship with his manager, Ron Sukenick (Sandler), as they consider their lives and legacies.

“I lucked into this. Noah [Baumbach, director] called me a year before I got the script. He said he’s had an idea, and he’s going to write it, and I’m in it,” Sandler told Us of his role in the film. “And then I got to read the script, get affected by it emotionally and say, thanks for doing all the work, and now I got to make sure I don’t let you down. It’s a good feeling.”

Sandler exclusively told Us that playing a talent manager made him appreciate the people who have supported his career.