Since the conclusion of The Walking Dead in 2022, fans have enjoyed seeing their favorite TWD actors in new movies and shows. In November, viewers will be treated to the next role for the actor who portrayed a villain in the series' final season.
Jay Kelly is a comedy-drama directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach, who is known for his collaborations with Wes Anderson, Adam Driver, and his wife, Greta Gerwig. Baumbach co-wrote the film with Emily Mortimer (Lovely and Amazing). The film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August 2025 and will see a limited theatrical release on November 14 and begin streaming on Netflix on December 5.
The cast includes a list of massively talented actors, including Georgie Clooney and Adam Sandler, who lead the film, and are joined by Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Patrick Wilson, Greta Gerwig, and more.
Walking Dead actor Josh Hamilton will also appear in the movie as a character named Carter. Hamilton is well remembered for his performance in the final season of TWD as Lance Hornsby, Deputy Governor of the Commonwealth.
Clooney portrays Jay Kelly, a famous actor, and Sandler plays his devoted manager, Ron. The duo are forced to face the choices they have made, relationships, and their legacies during a "whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey through Europe."
The movie was shot on 35mm Kodak film stock, and Jay Kelly will be screened in select 35mm theaters to serve as “an homage to cinema’s golden age, mirroring the atmosphere and themes of the film.” Viewers who attend these screenings will receive a limited edition film program.
Jay Kelly has received favorable critical reviews during its film festival run. Many have praised Sandler for the impressive expansion of his dramatic roles. Below is the official trailer for the film
Hamilton shared his excitement regarding his role in Jay Kelly, along with a new look for the actor, on Instagram.
Hamilton is a diverse actor who has appeared on both the big and small screens as well as the stage. He is well known for his roles in Eighth Grade, Dark Skies, Alive, Kicking and Screaming, American Horror Story, and more. His stage appearances include The Real Thing (2015), Dead Accounts (2013), The Coast of Utopia (2007), and Proof (2001)
Recently, the actor appeared in the film adaptation of Stephen King's The Long Walk. Although his screen time wasn't as long as fans hoped, the storyline of his character, William Garraty, father of Ray (Cooper Hoffman), was pivotal to the movie's plot.
In 2023, Hamilton starred with Emmy Nominee Sydney Sweeney and Marchánt Davis in the 3 Peabody Award–winning film Reality. The movie tells the story of whistleblower Reality Winner's FBI investigation, which ended with her arrest.
Next, the actor will have a recurring role in the Peacock series Five Star Weekend, which stars Jennifer Garner, Chloe Sevigny, and Regina Hall.