Believe it or not, it’s been 16 years since The Wedding Singer released in theaters, and almost a decade since 50 First Dates. Adam Sandler tells us how the movie came about, “We had lunch and she (Barrymore) said, come on, I think it’s time we should do another movie. And then, a few months later a friend of mine (my daughter and his son are in the same class) showed me the script, and I loved it. And I called Drew, I said, you got to read this script (for Blended.) I think this could be the one. And then, you called me that night.”
Drew says she sat down to read it immediately. “And it was special. I locked myself in my closet and read it, which sounds weird, but it wasn’t. And I laughed and I cried. That’s what I care about in life. I want to laugh, and I want to cry.”
“I always joke that I call Adam, well when we first met I called him, because I know that we’re supposed to partner up. I just know it in my heart,” Drew Barrymore told bloggers. She remembers Adam presenting his idea for The Wedding Singer – over lunch, and “And I knew reading it, I was, that’s it. That’s the one.”
“Adam really, really cares and scrupulously as a producer and a great writer, really makes sure that the script is tailor-made for us, and has all the things, like our strengths, or things we want to try, or things we want to put in it, or fun set pieces where you’re, like, I get to do that? Oh my gosh, this is so fun.”
“I loved that it was about kids. And so that just is where Adam is at in life. I am new to that in life. And I thought this is perfect.” Both actors have young families. Sandler is dad to two daughters ages 8 and 5, and Barrymore is a mom to two daughters ages 2 and a newborn.
“Both my kids have seen this movie about five times each, and they love it” says Sandler. “And there are a couple of things in there that go over their head, and they’re not sure what anyone’s talking about, especially with the masturbating. I think. But it felt great about making this movie. It’s about respect for parenting and being a good parent, and a respect for putting your kids first, and being true.”
While their families are of the utmost priorities for these actors/friends, making movies and creating genuine characters is truly important.
Sandler found his screen role hit close to home. “In the movie, my character was married, and his wife passed away, and it’s about moving on. And that’s a hard thing to talk about.”
“In real life, when I’m with my wife, I tell her that’s it. It’s me and you, and God forbid anything ever happen to either one of us, I tell her, you should move on. Move on with somebody else, and have a good time. But, I tell her, (for me) that’s it – I’m done.” So, when I watch the movie, I feel a little, like, ah, that’s the only thing that hurts is that my guy does move on, but it makes sense in the movie. He’s got a family.”
“He’s got three daughters that need someone in their life other than him. And (Drew’s character) just makes them feel special in a way that I can’t make them feel. And that’s it, that’s what I like about the movie.”
“And I love when Drew is singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and the kids are affected by it. It’s great. It’s a lot of sweetness.”
This particular scene took Barrymore out of her comfort zone. “And that’s when I was, like, Adam, really? The most beloved song on the planet. Fine, I’ll just read it at the table read, and I’ll do it. And then, I thought that it was going to get cut, and that’s going to save us all from going down sinking ship style, and then he kept it. And I was, like, why is he keeping it?”
Sandler interjects to add “You were singing it nice and with your heart, and that it affects the kids. And you and little Lou laying in bed together, there was nothing sweeter. And then, me outside peeing.”
“So good, but I was really nervous about it,” adds Barrymore.
“I know you were. That was the only time. I’ve ever seen you think about something a lot. You did great,” says Sandler.
Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros
One of Barrymore’s favorite moments in Blended also extended from the screen to her friendship with Sandler.
“I remember when I read it, one of my favorite lines in the movie is on their date night towards the end of the movie, and he says you’re a good mom. And she looks at him and she says you’re a good mom, too.”
“I actually texted him that yesterday.”
“Yes, you did, for Mother’s Day,” adds Sandler. “And you said, and Jackie is, too, though. She always shows the respect to my wife, too”
So when asked whether we’d have to wait another 10 years to see them together in a movie, they are both quick to answer in agreement. ” I’m good to go,” answers Sandler. “I think we should speed it up a little bit. At least every six (years).” There is no argument from Barrymore as she enthusiastically adds “Yes. Exactly. Six years goes by so fast. I had two kids since we had the idea for this one.”
My life is complete! Selfies with Adam and Drew!
