News has emerged that the Safdie brothers have split up. Directors Benny and Josh Safdie attained notable recognition in Hollywood with their films in the past decade. With their recent success with 2019’s Uncut Gems, starring Adam Sandler, fans hoped they’d see the trio team up for another feature. However, their hopes were shattered after Benny Sadie confirmed his creative split-up with brother Josh Safdie.
While the brother’s divergence has taken the spotlight, it also affects the unnamed Netflix film starring Adam Sandler’s production. However, there seems to have also been a tremor between Sandler and Josh, which further lowers the chances of another movie happening.
Adam Sandler’s Netflix film to scrap?
While the Safdie brothers earned themselves quite a name in the directors’ community, their collective stint has ended. Benny Safdie announced his first solo film The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson this year. Moreover, he also landed supporting roles in two notable films, Oppenheimer and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
However, speaking of his split-up from his brother Josh, Benny told GQ,
“It just felt like, OK, there’s things that I want to explore that don’t necessarily align right now with Josh. So it’s a divide and conquer mentality. He wants to tell this story, he can go and do that. I’m going to go and do a couple of other things. It seems like a natural progression for how things have happened.”
The news was first shared by Jeff Sneider in an episode of THE HOT MIC, hosted by John Rocha and Sneider. He also added the brothers are committed to the split, as they have partnered with different production companies as well. Additionally, the two brothers were even seated at separate places at a wedding.
Yet, that is not the end of it. Sneider noted that Josh even had an issue with Adam Sandler. He said,
“I heard that Josh had a falling out with Sandler as well. I heard that Josh is a little volatile. And that’s why Benny was like, you know, do your own thing.”
Regardless, the brothers made a great duo and even won the Best Director trophy for Uncut Gems at the Gotham Awards while Adam Sandler seized the Independent Spirit Award for Best Make Lead. The untitled Netflix film, starring Sandler revolves around sports memorabilia collectors, also featuring popstar Megan Thee Stallion.
The last Safdie brothers’ film
Uncut Gems was well-received by the audience, grossing $50 million domestically, the highest for the production company A24 in 2022. Given its success, fans never anticipated that it might be one of the last of the Safdie brothers’ collective movies. However, according to Variety, the brothers will be reuniting for the Sandler film.
Speaking of his look in the film, Sandler told Variety,
“I can’t say that I’m gonna look that handsome in it,” Sandler said. “It’s not a handsome moment…It’s gonna be tough.”
On the other hand, Benny Safdie is keen on doing his own thing, periodically shifting from directing to acting. His performance in the 2023 films was appreciated by the fans. Thus, the director is looking forward to bag in some more parts as an actor.
