Adam Sandler Vows to Make 50 More Movies Before He Dies (And Promises Half Will Be Good)

Adam Sandler has never been one to shy away from a bold declaration, but his recent acceptance speech at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards might take the cake. While accepting the Career Achievement Award, the comedy icon dropped a promise that is equal parts ambitious and hilarious. He vowed to the audience that he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“I promise to everyone here tonight, I will make at least 50 more movies before I am dead,” Sandler declared to the crowd. But in true Sandman fashion, he followed up the pledge with a self-deprecating punchline that acknowledges his uneven filmography. “And at least 25 of them will be good.”

The 59-year-old actor was in high spirits as he accepted the honor, which was presented to him by his longtime friend and collaborator, Henry Winkler. The award ceremony, which celebrates talent over the age of 50, provided the perfect backdrop for Sandler to riff on the realities of aging. He didn’t hold back, cracking jokes about everything from his failing eyesight to his changing body.

“A lot of people said to me, ‘Sandman, getting an AARP Award means that you’re old now,'” he told the audience. He then proceeded to list the “10 other reasons” he knows he is officially old. These included needing to increase the font size on his phone so large that “anyone with a window seat on a Delta flight” could read his texts.

He also joked about his energy levels compared to his peers. Sandler admitted that when he receives Academy Award screeners, he struggles to stay awake. “Even though I press play on 44 different movies, I can only stay awake for a combined total of eight minutes,” he quipped. “I must say I love the first 30 seconds of all of your work.”

Despite the jokes about his physical decline, Sandler’s commitment to his craft seems stronger than ever. He joked that he likely has “60, 70 years” left in him, or maybe even 90 if he starts “working out and taking creatine.” While the math might be a bit optimistic, his production schedule certainly reflects a man in a hurry.

This award comes at a fascinating time in Sandler’s career, characterized by a unique balance of low-brow comedies and critically acclaimed dramas. For every Hubie Halloween, he seems to deliver an Uncut Gems or Hustle. His recent animated hit, Leo, broke viewing records on Netflix, proving his appeal spans generations.

Currently, the buzz surrounding Sandler is louder than it has been in years, largely due to the highly anticipated sequel to his 1996 classic, Happy Gilmore. Happy Gilmore 2 has officially wrapped filming and is slated for a release on Netflix, likely in 2025. The project has generated massive excitement, with confirmed cameos from NFL star Travis Kelce, rapper Eminem, and music superstar Bad Bunny.

The sequel will see Sandler reprising his role as the hot-headed hockey player turned golfer. Returning alongside him are original cast members Christopher McDonald as the villainous Shooter McGavin and Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit. The film is directed by Kyle Newachek, who previously helmed Sandler’s Murder Mystery.

Beyond the nostalgia trip, Sandler is also stretching his dramatic muscles again. He is set to star alongside George Clooney in a new film directed by Noah Baumbach, reportedly titled Jay Kelly. In this “funny and emotional coming-of-age film about adults,” Clooney plays a famous actor while Sandler takes on the role of his manager, Ron.

The Baumbach project marks another prestige entry in Sandler’s portfolio, following their successful collaboration on The Meyerowitz Stories. It also features a powerhouse ensemble cast including Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, and Riley Keough. This role could very well be one of the “25 good ones” Sandler promised in his speech.

Sandler’s relationship with Netflix remains the cornerstone of his current output. His production company, Happy Madison, continues to churn out content at a prolific rate. In addition to his films, he recently released a new comedy special, Adam Sandler: Love You, directed by Josh Safdie, which showcased his return to chaotic, musical stand-up.

Whether he is screaming at a golf ball or delivering a nuanced performance in an indie drama, Sandler has cemented himself as one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures. His ability to laugh at himself while simultaneously commanding the industry’s respect is rare. If he truly intends to make 50 more movies, audiences are in for a wild ride of hits and misses, exactly as he promised.

Tell us which classic Adam Sandler movie you think deserves a sequel in the comments.