A surprising style shift is underway for Adam Sandler, a comedian long celebrated for his defiantly casual red-carpet attire. The catalyst for this transformation appears to be none other than his co-star, George Clooney.
The duo are currently promoting their forthcoming Netflix film, Jay Kelly, and Sandler has notably swapped his signature relaxed looks for tailored suits at recent premieres and press events. At a recent Los Angeles festival appearance, Sandler cut a sharp figure in a navy suit, a departure from his usual comfort-first aesthetic.
In a candid moment, Sandler attributed the wardrobe upgrade directly to Clooney’s influence. He explained that his initial, more typical outfits seemed to genuinely disappoint his co-star. “When I show up looking the way I usually do, he looks so hurt by it,” Sandler remarked, adding with a laugh that his concession to formalwear was simply because, “I like Clooney. He’s a very nice man.”
This sartorial compromise marks a notable change for an actor whose personal style has become a topic of public conversation. Sandler is renowned for favoring loose-fitting hoodies, gym shorts, and sneakers, even at high-profile events. His relaxed ensemble at a major awards ceremony earlier this year drew playful commentary, highlighting his consistent preference for comfort over convention.
The new film, Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach, features Clooney in the lead role as a celebrated actor, with Sandler portraying his dedicated manager. The project is already generating awards season buzz ahead of its limited theatrical release in November and subsequent streaming debut in December.
While Sandler’s foray into suiting seems to be a gesture of camaraderie for the press tour, it remains to be seen whether Clooney’s elegant influence will have a lasting effect. For now, audiences are witnessing a rare sight: a comfortably casual comedy icon, temporarily polished, for the sake of friendship and a film.
