Benny Safdie says the Uncut Gems follow-up starring Adam Sandler and Megan Thee Stallion is “on pause” for the moment.
Speaking with Variety, Benny Safdie addressed recent reports suggesting that he had a falling out with his brother, Josh Safdie. Josh and Benny have previously directed several movies together, including 2017’s Good Time with Robert Pattinson and 2019’s Uncut Gems with Sandler, among others.
Benny and Josh decided to work with Sandler again for another project following the release of Uncut Gems; however, Benny announced he was no longer going to co-direct the film with Josh several months after it was announced.
Responding to rumors that he and Josh had a major falling out, Benny said, “It’s a natural progression of what we each want to explore. I will direct on my own, and I will explore things that I want to explore. I want that freedom right now in my life.”
Benny further confirmed he’s not co-directing the movie. He also didn’t co-write the script and isn’t involved with the film’s creative process, but he did note that it was “on pause.”
When asked if he’d ever direct something with Josh again, Benny responded, “I don’t know.”
What is Benny Safdie doing next?
Benny is now working with Dwayne Johnson on a brand-new A24 movie, The Smashing Machine, about the real-life mixed martial artist Mark Kerr. He additionally co-created Showtime’s The Curse with Nathan Fielder, which he and Fielder also star in alongside Emma Stone.
When it comes to acting, Benny recently played sizable roles in Kelly Fremon Craig’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, both of which were released in 2023.
Uncut Gems — which also stars LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, and Idina Menzel alongside Sandler — is currently streaming on Netflix.
