After Adam Sandler received backlash for casting his real wife and daughters in his new movie, the director of You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, Sammi Cohen, came to the comedian’s defense in a new interview about the film.
In the movie, which arrived on Netflix just last week, Sandler plays Danny Friedman, father to his on-and-off screen daughters, Sadie and Sunny. His real wife Jackie also stars in the film, as well as actress and singer Idina Menzel.
The controversy surrounding Sandler’s choice is part of a larger conversation about “nepotism babies” in Hollywood. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cohen defended the actor by recalling his previous projects, most of which have included his loved ones.
“Sandler has a reputation for making movies with his friends, and that’s something we all want to do,” she explained. “What I say is, he’s still making movies with his friends, but they’re his kids. He is the kind of dad who’s also your best friend.”
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Sadie and Sunny are no strangers to the industry, as both girls have been appearing in Sandler’s movies since his 2010 film Grown Ups. Cohen praised them for their professionalism and passion.
“They take such an interest in how the movie is made, and they’re both so talented,” Cohen said.
