5 hours ago
Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly” Set for November Premiere: A Star-Studded Coming-of-Age Drama Explores Identity and Legacy
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Noah Baumbach, known for his incisive explorations of family, identity, and belonging, returns with “Jay Kelly”—a coming-of-age comedy-drama co-written by Emily Mortimer and produced by a powerhouse team including Amy Pascal and David Heyman. The film, set to premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2025, stars George Clooney as the titular Jay Kelly, a celebrated movie actor, and Adam Sandler as Ron, his devoted manager. The supporting cast features Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, and other notable talents, cementing “Jay Kelly” as one of the year’s most anticipated ensemble films .
“Jay Kelly” follows its titular character, a famous actor, alongside his manager Ron, as they embark on a whirlwind journey that forces them to confront the choices they’ve made, the relationships that define them, and the legacies they hope to leave behind. As the official synopsis and teaser suggest, the film delves into themes of authenticity, loneliness, and the pressure to perform—not only for an audience but also for oneself . Baumbach’s sensitive direction is paired with a screenplay that questions the very nature of identity: “Do you know how difficult it is to be yourself?” asks a character in the teaser, a line that resonates powerfully with anyone who has felt marginalized or misunderstood.
Principal photography for “Jay Kelly” took place across New York City, London, and Tuscany, lending the film a distinctly international flavor. Swedish cinematographer Linus Sandgren shot the film on 35mm, marking his first collaboration with Baumbach. The score is composed by Nicholas Britell, whose previous work includes acclaimed soundtracks for “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk” .
After its world premiere at Venice, “Jay Kelly” will screen at the New York Film Festival before its U.S. theatrical release on November 14, 2025. The film will then reach a global audience via Netflix on December 5 .
