Adam Sandler Says Netflix Asked To Change China Setting In His Movie
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Adam Sandler has revealed that his new film is set in Majorca because Netflix asked him to change the setting - which was originally China.
The 54-year-old changed the plot and location for his upcoming sports comedy, Hustle, where he plays a basketball agent who tries to fix his failing career by recruiting some talent from overseas to join the National Basketball Association.
Following Netflix's request, Sandler changed the tale, resulting in the film telling the story of a promising Spanish player.
IRL Memphis Grizzlies star Juancho Hernangomez will take on that role.
During an interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Sandler explained: "It was written originally that I find a player in China and somehow, Netflix is not in China. So they were like, 'Would you guys please make it so we find someone in Latin America or Europe?'
"So the next thing you know, I'm in Majorca [Spain]."
Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do for that sweet deal.
It seems that the top dogs at Netflix have no interest in trying to crack the Chinese market, however.
Last year the streaming service's CEO Reed Hastings told CNBC: "We got turned down by the Chinese government several years ago. And we have not been spending any time on China in the last couple years.
"There's so much opportunity for us in Asia, the rest of Asia - India, in particular, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and then all through Europe and Latin America."
Back on the topic of the film itself - and Hernangómez specifically - Sandler went on to add: "[He] acts better than me in every scene. It's just like, god damn it. This guy is falling, crying in the middle of a scene, doing the right thing.
"Every joke he says, I'm like, 'He said it smoother than I would have.'"
At the moment, there is still no release date for Hustle but other stars in the movie include Queen Latifah and Robert Duvall, while LeBron James has also worked on the film as a producer.
The script comes from Taylor Materne and Will Fetters, while Sandler's production company Happy Madison will be joining forces with LA Lakers star James, plus Roth/Kirschenbaum Films and Maverick Carter's SpringHill Entertainment to produce the movie.
Last year Netflix revealed that we've collectively been watching TWO BILLION hours of Adam Sandler, which in turn prompted a contract for the Hollywood funnyman to make four more movies.
Sharing the frankly ridiculous figures to confirm Sandler's enduring popularity with its viewers, Netflix tweeted: "Ya'll watched 2 billion - yes *billion* - hours of Sandler on Netflix. Now the Sandman is making four more movies at Netflix."
Keep 'em coming, if you ask us.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Adam Sandler, Entertainment, TV and Film, Celebrity
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