It’s common knowledge that Paul Thomas Anderson is a huge Adam Sandler fan. In fact, he’s gone on the record calling “Big Daddy” one of his favorite movies. The duo has even worked together, beginning with the film “Punch-Drunk Love” back in 2002. But when did the love affair between Anderson and Sandler begin? Well, apparently it was way back in Sandler’s ‘SNL’ days and it’s all because of Tom Cruise.
Speaking on the SmartLess podcast, Sandler broke down the entire history of his friendship and partnership with Paul Thomas Anderson.
“I met Tom Cruise when Nicole Kidman did ‘SNL,’” Sandler explained. “Cruise had a Yankee cap dipped down low, and he looked up, and I was like in love with him. Tom called me up, and he says, ‘I’m doing a movie with my friend Paul, and he’s interested in doing a movie with you. Can I put him on the phone?’”
The actor added, “Paul was very nice, and he says, ‘Hey, I loved “Billy Madison.”’ And I was like, ‘OK, thanks,’ but I didn’t know who he was.’”
Sandler said from there, Anderson told him, “I just love your movies and your albums. Is it OK if I write you a movie?”
And of course, if you’re a fan of Paul Thomas Anderson, you know that movie would eventually become “Punch-Drunk Love.” But Sandler explained that he still didn’t know who Anderson was or had seen any of his films. That all changed when the Sand Man sat down to watch “Magnolia.”
“But then, honest to God, it was like 11 in the morning, and I had nothing to do, and ‘Magnolia’ just came out, and I said, ‘I think this is that kid’s movie. I’m going to go see that,’” said the actor. “It was sold out, and I was in the front row, and I was looking up at it, and I was fucking terrified, and I was going, ‘Oh this guy is fucking better than me. I don’t want to be in this. I’m going to ruin his movie! Holy shit!’”
Sandler then called up Anderson and asked if he was still writing “Punch-Drunk Love.” The filmmaker drove over to the actor’s place and talked him through the script. But given this was set to be Sandler’s first big dramatic role, the actor was scared.
“I always said I could do this, but this was too much. But he talked me through it, and he made me comfortable,” Sandler said.
Of course, the rest is history. “Punch-Drunk Love” was released and Sandler earned rave reviews, as did Anderson. And their collaborations didn’t stop there. Sandler would go on to have a few more dramatic roles, culminating in what many believe is his greatest performance to date, in last year’s “Uncut Gems” directed by the Safdie Brothers.
You can hear the entire podcast below: