Netflix Enhances Original Film Slate with High-Profile Sandler and Hoffman Reunion
Vancouver, Saturday, 14 February 2026.
Capitalizing on Happy Gilmore 2’s massive viewership, Netflix reunites Adam Sandler and Dustin Hoffman for the drama Time Out, commencing production in Vancouver this March.
Production Schedule and Creative Direction
Netflix (NFLX) continues to solidify its production pipeline with Time Out, a feature film set to begin principal photography in Vancouver on March 31, 2026 [2]. The production, scheduled to run through May 30, 2026, marks a significant dramatic turn for Adam Sandler, who is collaborating once again with Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman [2]. The project is helmed by Scott Cooper, the writer and director recently responsible for the Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere [1][4]. Cooper also penned the screenplay for this adaptation, with Jon Kilik serving as producer alongside Netflix and Haze Productions [2][4].
Narrative Adaptation and Casting Adjustments
The narrative of Time Out centers on Vincent, played by Sandler, a corporate executive who conceals his unemployment from his family by fabricating a prestigious position in Geneva [2]. As the deception deepens, Vincent becomes entangled in fraudulent investment schemes to maintain appearances, a storyline that introduces Hoffman in the role of Vincent’s father [1][2]. This project represents a shift in casting during the development phase; the role of Vincent was originally attached to Christian Bale before Sandler stepped in to lead the production [1][4].
Leveraging High-Performing Talent
This collaboration underscores Netflix’s reliance on proven talent to drive platform engagement. Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions has maintained a lucrative content deal with the streamer since 2014, a partnership that recently yielded substantial returns with the release of Happy Gilmore 2 in 2025 [4]. The comedy sequel generated over 135 million views, securing its rank as Netflix’s second most-watched movie in the latter half of 2025 [2]. By pivoting Sandler toward a serious role in Time Out—a remake of Laurent Cantet’s 2001 French drama L’Emploi du temps—Netflix is diversifying the portfolio of one of its most consistent performers [1][2].
Strategic Content Valuation
The pairing of Sandler and Hoffman is not without precedent; the duo previously garnered critical acclaim for their roles in Noah Baumbach’s 2017 comedy-drama The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) [1]. While Sandler is best known for his comedic output, he has publicly committed to a prolific future output, stating his intention to produce at least 50 more films [4]. With Time Out entering production this spring, Netflix aims to merge this ambitious volume with the prestige associated with Cooper’s direction and Hoffman’s dramatic legacy [2].