Two-time Oscar winner George Clooney channels aspects of his own life to portray a Hollywood icon in the upcoming comedy-drama Jay Kelly. The film, directed by Noah Baumbach, blends humor with a contemplative look at the cost of fame.

“There are elements certainly about the experience that I've had, but not so many regrets, which I think is 'thank God, '” Clooney, 64, said at the London Film Festival premiere on Friday. “It's personal, but I'm not as unhappy as that guy. I have a family that I love and kids who I think still love me. They're eight, there's time to screw it up. And I have friends that I don't pay.”

An Ensemble of Star Power

The movie follows Jay Kelly, an aging global superstar, as he journeys through Europe with a sprawling entourage. Key characters include his publicist, Liz, played by Laura Dern, and hair and makeup artist Candy, portrayed by co-writer Emily Mortimer. While the entourage gradually disbands, Kelly’s steadfast manager, Ron, played by Adam Sandler, remains by his side, offering poignant reflections on life and balance.

“You see somebody who, when they make a movie, it takes a lot of time away from your family. I've always tried to bring family around as much as possible,” Sandler said. “And like anyone who works for a living, you're away from some stuff you wish you weren't missing. It's dealing with that pain and finding out the best balance.”

A Story About Identity and Aging

Baumbach, known for Marriage Story, White Noise, and co-writing Barbie with Greta Gerwig, explained the film’s deeper themes. “I think it was a way to tell a story about all of us in some way. An actor was a kind of stand-in for all of us who are trying to figure out the gap between how we present ourselves to the world and who we may actually be, and as we get older, also how we contend with that.”

Limited Release and Streaming

Featuring a star-studded supporting cast including Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Louis Partridge, Isla Fisher, Jim Broadbent, and Gerwig herself, Jay Kelly will see a limited theatrical release in November before streaming on Netflix starting December 5.