Longtime Local Adam Sandler Stars in Netflix’s ‘Leo,’ Plays at Bay Theater

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Palisadian Adam Sandler takes on the role of a pet lizard for Netflix’s animated musical comedy, “Leo,” which was released November 21.

Directed by Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel and David Wachtenheim, “Leo” encompasses the final year of elementary school—through the eyes of a lizard.

Described as a “jaded old lizard with a heart of gold,” Leo reflects on his years at the fictional Fort Myers Elementary School in Florida, and the generations of children he has seen come and go. After learning that he has one year left to live, he sets out on an escape to experience life on the other side of the terrarium.

“Quickly approaching his final year of life, an ancient class pet lizard named Leo has a midlife crisis at the ripe old age of 74,” according to Netflix. “After deciding to leave his cage for good, he unexpectedly falls into a different calling—acting as therapist to the peculiar fifth-grade students in his classroom.”

Sandler is joined by actors Bill Burr, Cecily Strong, Jason Alexander, Rob Schneider, Stephanie Hsu, Jo Koy and more.

A family affair, Sandler’s wife Jackie, and his daughters, Sunny and Sadie, also voice characters in the film.

“Leo” was released exclusively on Netflix, but community members have the opportunity to catch it on the big screen. The Bay Theater is offering screenings, with show times currently available through Thursday, November 23.

“Leo” was produced by Sandler’s company Happy Madison, and Sandler co-wrote the script with Smigel and Paul Sado.

The film is the latest in Sandler’s $250 million Netflix deal, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The initial deal was extended after the success of 2019’s “Murder Mystery,” according to Deadline.

“Whether you know him as Sandman, the Water Boy, Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, Nick Spitz or simply Adam, one thing is clear: our members can’t get enough of him,” Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said to Deadline. “They love his stories and his humor, as we saw with ‘Murder Mystery.’ So I could not be more excited to extend our partnership with Adam and the Happy Madison team, and deliver more laughs around the world.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit baytheaterla.com/film/leo.