Sunny Sandler & Lynskey Lead Netflix's 'Don't Say Good Luck'

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- Don't Say Good Luck premieres on Netflix August 14, 2026, directed by Julia Hart and based on screenwriter Laura Hankin's real-life experience, with a 1 hour 50 minute run time and PG13 rating
- Sunny Sandler plays Sophie, a high school drama student who lands the lead in her school's production of the Broadway musical 'Waitress' (with Sara Bareilles songs) just as her mother's cancer returns
- Melanie Lynskey plays Elizabeth, Sophie's mother, who keeps her terminal diagnosis a secret from her daughter while supporting her through the musical milestone
- Happy Madison (Adam Sandler's production company) produces the film, with Adam Sandler and Jackie Sandler among the listed producers, marking Sunny Sandler's second Netflix lead after 2023's 'You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah'
- Supporting cast includes Max Greenfield as Sophie's father, Jack Champion as her love interest in the play, Stephanie Beatriz as the drama teacher, Bebe Neuwirth, Steve Buscemi, and Jon Lovitz
- Julia Hart previously directed 'Miss Stevens,' a film about a high school drama class that featured a young Timothée Chalamet — establishing her track record with sensitive teen drama narratives
Why it matters: Sunny Sandler's second Netflix lead role (after 2023's 'You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah') confirms Happy Madison's continued production of heartfelt family dramas alongside its typical comedies. The PG13, 1-hour-50-minute film — anchored by Melanie Lynskey's supporting turn — gives Netflix a quieter, true-story option for its August 14, 2026 streaming slate.
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