Ahead of their next project together, the Safdie brothers are going their separate ways for the time being.
According to Jeff Sneider of Above the Line, Benny Safdi will no longer be directing the upcoming film starring Adam Sandler. His brother, Josh Safdie, will direct the film alone. Sneider reports that the split is “temporary” and has nothing to do with allegations of misconduct surrounding their former producing partner, Sebastian Bear-McClard.
What to expect in the new Safdie Brothers movie?
The Safdie brothers’ next project is set in the world of sports memorabilia, which they will write and produce. The film will be released on Netflix.
Sandler is set to star in the untitled film. Sandler previously worked with the Safdie Brothers on the critically acclaimed film Uncut Gems, with the actor and the directing duo winning Independent Spirit Awards for their work on the film. Ben Affleck is in negotiations to star, along with Megan Thee Stallion, Steve Harvey and Gael Garcia Bernal.
“In the world of high-end sports card collecting in the 1990s, a retired baseball pitcher (Affleck) attempts a comeback as a sports memorabilia agent (Sandler) attempts to capitalize on his success” , reads the plot details. “Megan Thee Stallion is said to play Affleck’s girlfriend.”
Benny’s acting resume continues to expand after roles in Licorice Pizza, Stars at Noon and Obi-Wan Kenobi. He recently starred in Are You There God? It’s me, Margaret, and will have a supporting role in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
The Safdie brothers will produce Showtime’s The Curse, a comedy television series starring Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone about a couple who star on a problematic HGTV show. Benny, who has an acting role in the project, co-created the series with Fielder.