Adam Sandler recently revealed how Tom Cruise introduced him to director Paul Thomas Anderson.
During a live conversation with film critic Leonard Maltin at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in Santa Barbara, California, on Thursday, February 5.
Sandler said, “I don’t remember 100 percent, but I was shooting [2000’s] Little Nicky…I was on set,” Sandler said, recalling his first interaction with Anderson, whom he was completely unaware of at the time.
He recalled: “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 he comes over and says, ‘Tom Cruise is on the phone for you.’ I say, ‘Oh, okay.’ And I say, ‘Hello?’ And [Cruise] says, “Adam, I’m with my boyfriend right now. He really is a great director.’
The Happy Gilmore star added: “[Cruise] says, ‘He wrote a movie for you. He wants to talk to you.’ I say, ‘Okay… now?’ And he says, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘I’m shooting a movie right now.’ He says, “He’ll be quick.” So I say, ‘Okay.’ And then he calls, and it’s Paul and he says, ‘Hi. I just want to tell you that I really like your films.’ I said, ‘Oh man, that’s cool. Thank you.’ And he says, ‘And I wrote a movie for you. I think it’s really good. Would you mind if I bring it to you so you can read it?’”
“And I said, ‘Yeah, man, anytime.’ And that was that,” Sandler noted.
The Adults actor then moved on to the 1999 film Magnoliathat Anderson wrote and directed.
“I was sitting alone in the front row eating popcorn and I remember saying, ‘This guy wants to use me, man?’ I got very excited and called him. I said, ‘Where’s that damn script? Bring it!’” Sandler shared.
It is pertinent to mention that Anderson has bagged a nomination for his 2025 film, One battle after another.
