In the new film Jay Kelly (2025), Adam Sandler and Laura Dern play key characters who make up the close circle of the main protagonist.
Sandler embodies the image of Ron Sukonik, a devoted manager who supports his protégé in various life situations.
Laura Dern plays the role of Liz, a publicist who helps the main character connect with the public.
Interview
Asel: Hello! I am Asel from the AKIpress agency, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia.
Adam Sandler: Hello! Thank you! I apologize for what Laura is about to do during our conversation.
Laura Dern: He just won't leave me alone!
Adam Sandler: It's getting old!
Asel: It’s a great honor for me to conduct this interview with you, thank you.
There is an opinion that the entourage shapes the king. You play a part of this entourage in the film. Have your relationships with colleagues changed after working on this film?
Laura Dern: Yes, that’s true. We haven’t discussed it yet, but it’s nice to realize that even during the interview, we pay tribute to those who have been with us throughout our careers.
Adam Sandler: Absolutely.
Laura Dern: The people we love become our family. Noah and Emily created wonderful characters, and they have their own relationships that we portray. We also carry with us the images of those who have helped us throughout our careers, and that is visible on screen.
Asel: You play characters who seem to measure the emotional state of others. Do you believe there is a moral boundary between support and enabling?
Adam Sandler: That’s a really interesting question. In my character's mind, there’s the thought that we are getting paid for this. We are being paid to help this person. I feel that he might be in a difficult situation, and I’m ready to support him, understanding his thoughts and behavior. However, Laura's character raises the question: how long will we continue this?
Laura Dern: That is enabling, no matter what you call it.
Adam Sandler: I am a true enabler. I will keep doing this until someone says, “Stop!” And she is the one who says “stop.”
Asel: What do you consider the most difficult aspect of fame that is unpaid and can break you if you don’t handle it?
Laura Dern: Wow, that’s a good question.
Adam Sandler: I think that while working on this project, I learned patience, especially when someone comes to work late every day.
Laura Dern: You just said you wouldn’t bring that up again!
Adam Sandler: You came two hours late!
Laura Dern: Yes, I was late because you made me look for organic seedless green grapes!
Adam Sandler: That’s why you should set your alarm earlier.
Asel: I have one last question. Do you think a carefully crafted public figure can maintain sincerity and honesty, or does that quality fade as compromises are made?
Laura Dern: Oh, absolutely. It is possible to maintain sincerity. It’s a personal choice for each individual. It doesn’t mean you have to live in a way that makes you invisible, staying secretive. You can always remain honest, even if you have something precious that you want to keep for yourself or your family. But I don’t think anyone can stop being sincere at their core. It’s a wonderful quality for an actor, a friend, and a person, and that’s exactly why we all love him as an actor, friend, and person.
Asel: Thank you! I am very grateful.
Adam Sandler, Laura Dern: Thank you!
