In 2018, Jeremigh Zager made his first narrative feature film debut with the coming-of-age drama We the Animals after primiarly doing documentaries. The film ended up being critically acclaimed. So it's curious that the next narrative film he chooses to do is a Netflix film that stars Adam Sandler whose lucrative deal with the streaming service has been utilized to release his recent comedy films.
However, last year Sandler reminded audiences of his genuine talent as an actor when he did the acclaimed film Uncut Gems. He tends to do this from time to time amongst his slew of his...let's say distracting comedy films. Punch Drunk Love, Reign Over Me, and The Meyerowitz Stories also have shown over the years that Sandler can branch out of his usual repertoire of mindless humor. So it's possible Sandler's collaboration with Zager, titled Hustle, could be another on that list. It's definitely possible given it's been announced today he will be joined by actors of a better caliber with Queen Latifah, Robert Duvall, and Ben Foster.
While that remains to be seen, the story carries potential dramatic weight as it will see Sandler star as a down-on-his-luck basketball scout who discovers a once-in-a-lifetime player with a rocky past abroad. Without his team's approval, he takes it upon himself to bring this player to the States and prove they have what it takes to make it in the NBA.
Another indication of the film's prestigous effort is the script is written by Oscar-nominated writer Will Fetters alongside Taylor Materne. Sandler will produce under his company Happy Madison alongside LeBron James’ SpringHill Company label and Roth/Kirschenbaum Films. NBA player Juancho Hernangomez, Jordan Hull, Maria Botto, Ainhoa Pillet, and sports commentator Kenny Smith also star. Stay tuned!
Lost me at Sandler