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Benny Safdie talks about his split from brother and partner-in-film Josh — and reveals he doesn’t know if and when the Uncut Gems duo will reunite — in a new interview.
Since the release of the Safdies’ Adam Sandler-starring hit in 2019, the brothers have collaborated to produce docuseries like Telemarketers and Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God, but they haven’t returned to film directing. (The bros last co-directed Forget’s “100 Seats” music video back in late 2022.)
Instead, Benny — two years younger than Josh — has focused on his work in front of the camera, appearing in Licorice Pizza, Oppenheimer, Stars at Noon, and, most recently, The Curse, which he co-created (sans Josh) with Nathan Fielder.
Speaking to Variety, Benny admitted that he and his brother have parted ways, for now. “It’s a natural progression of what we each want to explore,” Benny said. “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.”
The Safdie brothers did previously announce a follow-up to Uncut Gems, with the pair reuniting with Adam Sandler and enlisting Megan Thee Stallion for a movie that takes place in the world of sports cards and memorabilia. However, Benny ultimately left the project, and while Josh was reported to take over the directorial reins solo, the film itself is now “on pause,” Benny told Variety.
Benny added that the dissolution of his and Josh’s filmmaking partnership was amicable despite rumors of a more severe falling out. However, when asked if the duo would ever reunite, Benny said, “I don’t know.”
Regardless of the alleged split, the brothers aren’t going full Oasis, as their production company, Elara Pictures, appears to still be fully operational; it’s among the producers on The Curse.
