The story of a Hollywood superstar coming to terms with the fragility of his privileged existence might not seem the most universal story, especially one starring George Clooney at his most suave and charismatic. But while speaking at Deadline’s Contenders London event, Jay Kelly director Noah Baumbach pulled back some of the layers of his film, flanked by actor Adam Sandler , producer David Heyman and casting director Nina Gold.

The film begins with the title character having an epiphany and setting off on a journey to Italy with his manager (Sandler) and his long-suffering publicist (Laura Dern) in tow. Baumbach revealed that the idea was a long time coming. “A few years ago, I had this notion,” he said, “and I didn’t really know what to do with it. So I kind of let it jus

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