Did Sunny Sandler Sing in ‘Don’t Say Good Luck’?
Sunny Sandler is showcasing her talents beyond her famous last name in her latest project. The 17-year-old actress, daughter of Adam Sandler, stars in Netflix’s ‘Don’t Say Good Luck’ as Sophie Birenbaum, a theater enthusiast vying for the lead role in her high school production of ‘Waitress’. Fans are eagerly discussing whether Sunny actually sings in the film, making it one of the most talked-about aspects of the movie’s release.
This role signifies a significant advancement for Sunny Sandler, who previously appeared in ‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’. In this film, she not only acts but also performs musical numbers, encapsulating the emotional highs and lows of a school theater production.
Yes, Sunny Sandler does sing in ‘Don’t Say Good Luck’, and it plays a pivotal role in her performance. The narrative follows Sophie as she secures the lead role of Jenna in her school’s rendition of ‘Waitress’, culminating in an emotional showstopper featuring the Sara Bareilles ballad ‘She Used to Be Mine’.
Critics have noted that her vocal style leans towards the intimate rather than the powerhouse. One review remarked that she sings softly when a belting approach might be expected, a choice that seems more suited for a film actor than a stage performer. This gentler delivery has sparked discussions among viewers, with some finding it charming while others hoped for a more powerful vocal moment.
Sunny isn’t the only Sandler involved in the music. Reviewers have noted that Adam Sandler appears in the film, and while he may not have a voice suited for stage singing, he still manages to perform most of the musical numbers written by Sara Bareilles. This father-daughter musical connection adds an extra layer of charm for longtime fans of the family.
In addition to the film, clips of Sunny singing alongside her dad during his stand-up tour have circulated widely online, generating even more interest in her vocal abilities ahead of the movie’s release.
‘Don’t Say Good Luck’ is a 2026 musical teen drama directed and co-produced by Julia Hart, with Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler, Jordan Horowitz, and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones also producing. The story revolves around Sophie, a 16-year-old theater kid preparing for her leading role in ‘Waitress’ when family drama takes center stage after her mother is diagnosed with cancer.
The cast features Melanie Lynskey, Max Greenfield, Stephanie Beatriz, Bebe Neuwirth, and Steve Buscemi alongside Sunny Sandler. Jack Champion, known for his recent roles in the ‘Avatar’ films, plays Sophie’s co-star and love interest, with the two reportedly sharing a memorable harmonizing moment during the film’s climactic musical sequence.
The title itself references an old theater superstition, as wishing a performer good luck before a show is considered bad luck, with ‘Break a leg’ being the preferred phrase. This detail is highlighted early in the film when Sophie corrects her mother for using the wrong expression before an audition.
The film has generally received positive reviews, with critics praising Lynskey’s performance as the emotional core of the story. One review noted that the film successfully balances its tonal shifts, from the excitement of musical theater to the seriousness of a health crisis, without any missteps.

Fans have taken to social media to express their reactions to Sunny’s musical performances, with clips of her singing in the film’s ‘Waitress’ sequences going viral. Many viewers highlighted the harmony moment between Sunny and Jack Champion as a standout, calling it an unexpected highlight of the film.
The film also has a personal connection for its screenwriter, as the coming-of-age story was reportedly inspired by the writer’s own experiences as a high school musical star in Washington D.C. Netflix has described the project as a blend of drama, comedy, music, and emotional moments, a mix that seems to resonate with the platform’s built-in Sandler family fan base.
Sunny Sandler was born on November 2, 2008, in California, and has largely built her career within projects associated with her father’s Happy Madison Productions, including ‘Pixels’, ‘Leo’, and ‘Grown Ups’. ‘Don’t Say Good Luck’ marks her most vocally demanding role to date, featuring multiple original songs credited to her performance.
Her older sister Sadie Sandler has also frequently appeared alongside their father in films, and the two sisters have occasionally performed together at family events and benefit concerts. This trend of the Sandler family blending real-life musical moments with on-screen performances continues with this latest release.
Whether audiences view this as the beginning of a genuine singing career for Sunny or simply a one-off role tailored to the story, ‘Don’t Say Good Luck’ has undeniably showcased her vocal talents in a way none of her previous projects have. As the film continues to find its audience on Netflix, the reception of her performance is likely to influence her future casting opportunities.
Did Sunny Sandler’s rendition of ‘She Used to Be Mine’ resonate with you as it did with critics, or do you believe she should have opted for a more powerful vocal performance?
