Adam Sandler and the death of big-budget comedy

Adam Sandler’s brand of heavy-hitting comedy may be the last of its kind.

Upon a recent rewatch of Adam Sandler’s Blended (2014), it was striking to note the big budget, legendary cast and pure laugh factor the family comedy held. In the current landscape of dramatic thrillers, heart-wrenching romances, musician biopics, and remake after remake, the good old-fashioned comedy seems to be a dying breed among productions in the 2020s.

Sandler’s mix of slapstick physical comedy and self-deprecating one-liners, with a familiar ensemble cast in tow have become a staple of the comedy scene, even as many of the other comedic faces, such as Mike Myers and Jon Heder, disappear from the silver screen.

Most of Sandler’s comedies—including beloved flicks such as 50 First Dates, (2004), Grown Ups (2010), and most recently, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023)—are produced by his production company, Happy Madison Productions.

Though Happy Madison Productions often receive negative critical reviews, their films seem to hold a special place in the comedy canon and the hearts of many. Their irreverent—though predictable—charm, combined with Sandler’s general likeability both on and off-screen, has turned these films into beloved artifacts.

Despite a history of comedy box office successes, Hollywood has grown increasingly hesitant to support big-budget comedies. For instance, 50 First Dates had an estimated budget of $75 million USD, whereas My Bat Mitzvah had an estimated budget of $27 million USD. Instead, studios are turning to sequels and franchise extensions that offer safer and more predictable returns. The reluctance to gamble on new comedic projects points to a larger trend within the industry that’s axing comedies from the big screen.

One major factor in this shift is the increased financial risk associated with original comedies. Sequels and franchise films, like the teased upcoming Freakier Friday and Legally Blonde 3, not only come with built-in audiences, but also resonate more easily with global markets, where humour can often be subjective and culturally specific. This financial security may appeal to studios when compared to the unpredictability of original comedies.

Societal norms around humour have shifted dramatically, making certain comedic tropes outdated, or potentially offensive. With increased awareness of social issues, studios are more cautious about the content they produce, particularly in comedy, where sensitive topics may arise.

It’s hard to picture Paramount Pictures greenlighting a comedy like their past hit Zoolander (2001) or Warner Brothers backing a film like The Hangover (2009) in 2024, given their reliance on crude humour that tows the line of what’s appropriate.

Comedians, including Adam Sandler, have spoken out on comedy’s current challenges in mainstream Hollywood, noting how even established comedians face restrictions that affect creative freedom.

This conversation was highlighted when Adam Sandler, one of comedy’s biggest stars, shifted much of his work to streaming platforms, citing creative freedom and fewer constraints than in traditional studio settings. Recent films like Murder Mystery (2019) and Hubie Halloween (2020) were released exclusively on Netflix.

Some argue that comedy has become a tougher sell to studios due to changing tastes and the risk of backlash amidst a time of cancel culture. American comedian Bill Burr has spoken about how evolving sensitivities have changed audience expectations, making some humour feel constrained or watered down.

Despite these challenges, streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have created a new space for comedy, offering lower-budget productions with more room for creative risks. These platforms have provided an alternative for comedians, allowing some big-budget comedies to thrive on smaller screens rather than in theatres.

This shift reflects Hollywood’s changing priorities, and seems to suit Sandler just fine, even as previously mentioned peers and studio interest may be fading Sandler has films on the horizon—including Happy Gilmore 2—showing no signs of slowing down, despite the dwindling landscape.

While there’s still a place for comedy, the days of large-scale, high-stakes comedy blockbusters may be waning. Both audiences and the industry have a role to play in keeping comedy alive. Audiences can support diverse, original comedic content, while studios can balance financial caution with creative risk. As comedy adapts to meet new expectations, its future may lie in more unconventional and varied platforms than ever before.

Tags

Adam Sandler, big budget, comedian, comedy, Netflix

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