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Tom Cruise Helped Adam Sandler Get Into His First Drama Role In "Punch-Drunk Love"

  • Writer: Dan Lalonde
    Dan Lalonde
  • Feb 15
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 2

Two men in suits; one holds a coffee mug. Silhouette of a couple in the background. Text: "Punch-Drunk Love", "Lalonde Films". Mood: Dramatic.
Photo Credit: New Line Cinema/Getty

What is your favorite Adam Sandler movie? Is it a slapstick comedy like 'Happy Gilmore' and 'The Waterboy' or a serious drama like 'Uncut Gems'?


Adam Sandler was at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where he talked about how Tom Cruise helped him get into drama roles by introducing him to acclaimed Director Paul Thomas Anderson (Magnolia, Boogie Nights), who would soon cast him in 'Punch-Drunk Love' in 2002.


"I don't remember a hundred percent, but I was shooting [2000’s] Little Nicky … I was on the set. I got a phone call. I knew Tom Cruise a little bit. I get a phone call. My friend who's here tonight, Jonathan, I think comes up to me and says, ‘Tom Cruise is on the phone for you.’ I go, ‘Oh, OK.’ And I go, ‘Hello?’ And [Cruise] goes, ‘Adam, I'm with my friend right now. He's a really wonderful director.'"


Sandler continued, "Cruise goes, ‘He wrote a movie for you. He wants to talk to you.’ I go, ‘OK … now?’ And he goes, ‘Yeah.’ I said, ‘I'm shooting a movie right now.’ He goes, ‘He'll be quick.' So I go, ‘OK.’ And then he gets on the phone, and then it's Paul and he goes, ‘Hi. I just want to tell you I really like your movies.’ I said, ‘Oh man, that's cool. Thank you.’ And he goes, ‘And I wrote you a movie. I think it's really good. Would you mind if I brought it over to you so you could read it?’ And I said, 'Yeah, man, anytime.' And that was that."


What is your favorite Adam Sandler movie? Comment below with your thoughts.



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Source: Cinemablend


Photo Credit: New Line Cinema/Getty

 
 
 

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