Adam Sandler Reveals He Suffered A Groin Injury During Filming Of 'Hustle'

Apart from being a comedian, Adam Sandler is recognized for appearing in several classic comedy films throughout the years, like "Punch-Drunk Love," "Reign Over Me," "Blending," and "Uncut Gems." He has also starred in some sports movies such as "Happy Gilmore" and "The Waterboy," demonstrating his versatility as a movie star and a comedy icon.

Sandler has now followed up his previous experiences with a new feature in Netflix's "Hustle," a basketball-themed film in which he collaborated with recognized sports player LeBron James. He recently spoke about his onset experience while filming the new movie, highlighting the highs and lows of it all, including how he suffered a major injury while practicing with the basketballers featured in the film.

Speaking with ET at the Hustle premiere, Sandler touched on how the new film incorporated real-life features from genuine NBA players and other Basketball enthusiasts. The team of players was often seen practicing, of which Sandler would join in despite his lack of professional skill.

"I played with everybody, all the guys, and it's humiliating, you know? You take a shot in front of them you see how flat your shot is you see how dumb you look you have no form," he said. "Then, when they shoot, you're like, "Yeah, yeah, alright, that's how you're supposed to play.

The actor further revealed that his fun ended months into the film when he busted his groin during one of the practices. Sandler also claimed that he still feels the lingering effects even though it all happened a year ago.

"We had some of that going, but that's before I popped my groin, he added. "There was one night my groin couldn't take it anymore then I said, "I guess I'm gonna have to watch these guys go." It's been a year already and I'm still limping around like a fool... it's horrible."

Although Sandler balled a lot on set, his role only shoots hoops briefly in the film, and the rest of the basketballing was left to the actors with more professional expertise.

Shooting for Hustle commenced in Philadelphia in October 2020, with additional shots taken at a location in Camden, New Jersey. When Netflix found that the initial idea, which revolved around a player spotted in China, was not feasible, the premise for the film was changed at the start of the production.

At the time, one of Netflix's CEOs revealed that they were not allowed to shoot the idea by the Chinese government. The resulting changes forced the production team, the showrunners, and Sandler to revamp the narrative, ultimately centering the sports film on real-life NBA star Juancho Hernangómez.

Stanley Sugarman, played by Sandler, is a basketball scout who wants to reclaim his past fame and was also seeking a permanent coaching spot with his organization, the Sixers. During one of his many visits to sporting locations abroad, he meets an extraordinary player, a 22-year-old construction worker, Bo Cruz (Hernangómez), and views the Spanish basketball sensation as an opportunity to pioneer his return to the big leagues in the NBA.

Finding Bo amid intense competition from professional scouts on the prowl to catch a new talent builds hopes within Stanley for the actualization of his dreams. He feels Bo's natural talent, particularly his speed, blocking abilities, and shooting precision, were more than enough to shine the spotlight on him in the NBA and make him the envy of all.

Stanley eventually takes the athlete to the United States against his team's wishes. The storyline then chronicles Sandler's character as he tries to reclaim his previous glory by showing that he and his partner have a place in the NBA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM4iy0reaCA

Joining Sandler in the film is Queen Latifah, who stars as the actor's character wife, Teresa. Award-winning actor Robert Duvall joins them as Rex Merrick, owner of Stanley's team, the Sixers. "The L Word: Generation Q" actress Jordan Hull stars as Alex, Stanley's daughter, while "Hell or High Water's "Ben Foster portrays Vince Merrick, who takes over the Sixers when Rex dies suddenly.

Rounding up the cast is María Botto, Kenny Smith, and NBA player Kyle Lowry, Heidi Gardner, Kenny Smith, Anthony Edwards, Ainhoa Pillet. NBA players Boban Marjanović, Trae Young, Jordan Clarkson, Khris Middleton, Aaron Gordon, Kyle Lowry, Seth Curry, Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, and Matisse Thybulle also made cameo appearances.

Sandler's Happy Madison Productions produced "Hustle" in collaboration with James and Maverick Carter's SpringHill Entertainment and Roth/Kirschenbaum Films. On June 3, 2022, "Hustle" will be released in select theatres, and on June 8, 2022, it will be available on Netflix. It was scheduled to premiere on June 1 but was pushed back two days.