Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore Talk Blended

When you think about perfect pairings in movies, you would have never imagined that two actors from very different beginnings would become one of those movie duos that make you go “awwww” but that is exactly what Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are. They are the movie couple that won audiences over with The Wedding Singer (that song on the plane? Slays me every time), and then made us fall in love again with 50 First Dates. This time, it’s 10 yrs since their last film together and in that time both have gotten married and each has had two beautiful little girls…in other words, their worlds have changed immensely. So, do they still have that adorable on screen chemistry, even after all these years? The answer came back a roaring yes. Read on below to see what they had to say about their changing roles, filming in Africa and more.

 

 

Question: Why did you want to make a movie together?

Drew Barrymore: I mean, why not? I always joke that I call Adam, well when we first met I called him, because I knew that we’re supposed to partner up.  I just knew it in my heart.  And I stalked him until he accepted the ways.

Adam Sandler: It wasn’t that hard by the way. it was pretty much, Drew Barrymore wants to have lunch with you.  I go, all right.

DB: Well, that’s good. That’s nice.

AS: Anything you ask for I do by the way.

DB: Really?

AS: You asked for the Wedding Singer movie. We did that, 50 First Dates. A year ago, or two years ago, about three years ago, right?

DB: Yes

AS: We had lunch and she 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. He showed me the script, and I loved it. And I called Drew, I said, you got to read this script. I think this could be the one. And then, you called me that night.

DB: Yes, because I 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, and that’s what I care about in life.

Q: How has becoming parents changed what films you do, or what projects you take one?

DB: You should take this one.
AS: Oh, you know, since I had my kids, I have done some movies that are a little heavier. And I come home shook up. I did a rated-R comedy since I’ve had kids. And I definitely felt guilty every morning at breakfast. I just had a hard time knowing what was coming in the future. And them seeing that movie, and then saying you said never to do that, well, my character, you know.
Both my kids have seen this movie about five times each, and they love it. 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. I hope.
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. It’s hard.

Q: What was the most emotional part of the film for you (Drew)?

AS: 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.

DB: Phew on that one, because when he sent me that, again, I always read my scenes. I’m, like, Adam, oh my gosh, I get to do this, and I get to do that. That’s so exciting. 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.

AS: Because it was sweet.

DB: I thought, this is bad isn’t it?

AS: You were saying 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.

DB: Yes. It’s the best.

AS: Adding to the sweetness.

Q: Your characters had a lot of big adventures in this movie. Did you guys get to have any adventures off camera while you were on location?

DB: Yes, totally.

AS: Oh, yes.

DB: In Africa, it’s hard not to.

AS: Every weekend was pretty awesome. And when we weren’t working, we went somewhere neat, and there were always animals involved. And the kids got to see everything. It’s just neat. Going out to eat there was cool.

DB: There were signs on the glass of the windows, not even on the door. They were right on the glass of the windows so you wouldn’t miss it. I mean, it’s written on your window. And it was, like, do not open these windows, or monkeys will ransack your room, we’re not kidding. And, of course, everybody would forget and leave their windows opened. I’m sure some people like me were sort of, like, bring it. I want to see this. And they really would ransack the room. It looked like one of those scenes in a movie where you’d walk in, and you’re like, somebody’s been here. It was crazy. It was so cool.

Blended opens May 23 and is rated PG-13