When will Jay Kelly premiere? Release date, cast details, first look, and more

Noah Baumbach’s coming-of-age comedy-drama Jay Kelly is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 14, 2025, before its global streaming debut on Netflix on December 5, 2025. The film's supporting cast features Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Isla Fisher, Patrick Wilson and Riley Keough, among others.

Co-written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, the film features an ensemble cast led by George Clooney in the title role as Jay Kelly, a world-famous actor struggling with his diminishing fame, and Adam Sandler as Ron, his devoted manager.

The plot follows Jay as he embarks on a soul-searching trip through Europe with Ron, initially under the guise of an awards tour. It explores Jay's past mistakes, especially his strained relationships with his family, forcing both the actor and his manager to confront their life choices, relationships, and legacies they are leaving behind.

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Noah Baumbach's Jay Kelly trailer, premiere details and more

Premiered at the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2025, Jay Kelly gained critical acclaim and earned several awards and nomination before its scheduled release date.

The film received a prestigious nomination for the festival's top prize, the Golden Lion. It won the Ensemble & Casting Award at the Middleburg Film Festival and an Achievement in Film Composition award for Nicholas Britell at the Virginia Film Festival.

Director Baumbach was also honored with the Director Tribute at the Gotham Film Awards and A Tribute To... Award at the Zurich Film Festival.

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George Clooney and Adam Sandler lead the cast of Baumbach’s upcoming film

George Clooney and Adam Sandler at 2025 AFI FEST (Image via Getty)

The leading stars of Baumbach’s coming-of-age comedy are veteran actors George Clooney and Adam Sandler, featuring as the titular character and the manager Ron Sukenick, respectively.

The film's plot mainly revolves around their friendship as they make their way across Europe and are compelled to reflect on their life choices, relationships and the legacies they leave behind.

Sandler’s performance as Ron is generating significant critical buzz, with many calling it a “career-best” dramatic turn. The Palm Springs International Film Awards will honor him with the Chairman’s Award for his “deeply moving” work in Jay Kelly. Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi praised Sandler as one of the “most versatile and respected actors of his generation."

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Other notable cast members in Jay Kelly

A still from the film's trailer (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

Listed below are other significant cast and characters in the upcoming film:

• Laura Dern as Liz: Jay Kelly's publicist.
• Billy Crudup as Timothy: an old acting friend of Jay's who did not achieve the same level of stardom.
• Riley Keough as Jessica Kelly: Jay's eldest daughter, with whom he has a strained relationship.
• Greta Gerwig as Lois Sukenick: Ron's wife.
• Emily Mortimer as Candy
• Stacy Keach as Mr. Kelly: Jay's father.
• Jim Broadbent as Peter Schneider: a recently deceased director who gave Jay his big break.
• Patrick Wilson as Ben Alcock
• Isla Fisher as Mrs. Alcock

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Stay tuned for more updates.

Edited by Suchita Patnaha