One of Robert Duvall’s Final Performances Was in Netflix's 94% RT Modern Classic

2 days ago 7

Adam Sandler makes an inspiring speech in Hustle.

Published Feb 25, 2026, 12:16 PM EST

Billy is a Senior Features Author for Collider. Having written over 300 articles in just over a year, Billy regularly covers the biggest TV shows and films releasing while also analysing some of the most underrated properties that may slip your attention.
Having studied for an MA in Screenwriting at UAL in 2023, Billy honed his writing skills and also developed his ability to critique the work of other creative minds.
Before that, Billy studied politics at the University of Nottingham, which helped him to bring nuanced and scholarly analysis to the frameworks within which filmmakers and writers have framed their thematic messages.

There will be many cynics out there who wonder why people get emotional over celebrity deaths, arguing that, since we never knew the person themselves, it shouldn't impact us. However, especially with actors, their performances in iconic films make them as big a part of our lives as anyone, as no one forgets their favorite film or performance. This is what makes Robert Duvall's death so tragic, as roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now were key parts of many people's introduction to great cinema, and deservedly rank among some of the greatest films ever made. However, one of Duvall's most intriguing performances came in 2022's Hustle, where he showcased a very different side of himself compared to the aforementioned roles, portraying a far more subtle and likeable character than many will remember from his more famous works. Beyond Duvall himself, Hustle remains one of Adam Sandler's greatest roles, and its grounded exploration of the NBA makes it a thoroughly worthy final credit for Duvall as the film turned out to be.

Robert Duvall Plays a Small Yet Key Role in 'Hustle'

On the surface, Hustle is a standard sports film. Adam Sandler plays Stan, a scout for an NBA team who finds a diamond in the rough in Bo Cruz (Juancho Hernangómez), who no one else believes in, and Stan goes on a mission to bring this young man into the NBA against all odds. Duvall exits the film by the time Stan finds Bo, but his role as Rex Merrick, owner of the team Stan works for, is crucial in the cycle of belief that Rex passes to Stan, and Stan passes to Bo. Rex is the only person who believes in making Stan a coach, understanding Stan's sadness at constantly having to travel away from his family to scout players. Duvall plays the role with an understated authority, never raising his voice or expressing any explosive emotion. Yet, this adds maturity to the film from the start, which helps to sell Sandler's equally grounded performance.

Robert Duvall as Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore kneeling shirtless with explosives behind in Apocalypse Now.

Rex's kindness to Stan also heightens the villainy of Vince Merrick (Ben Foster), Rex's son, who is jealous of Stan, since, at the start of the film, Rex sides with Stan over Vince regarding a player that Vince wants to sign, and Stan doesn't. This decision is what sets off the chain of events that leads to Vince blocking Stan's promotion to coach, and Stan's journey to finding and supporting Bo. Without Rex Merrick, and especially without Duvall's quiet and respectful performance, much of Stan's emotional needs would not feel as heightened as they do from the start of Hustle.

Adam Sandler is the Highlight of 'Hustle' Among a Stacked Cast

He may play the main character, but that doesn't mean Adam Sandler has Hustle handed to him on a plate for a slam dunk. Instead of Hustle feeling like a walk in the park for Sandler, he brings a complex performance to his role. Because his character takes the role of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to Bo Cruz's Creed (Michael B. Jordan), Sandler ditches the over-the-top, sarcastic, and manic delivery seen in many of his films, from Happy Gilmore to Uncut Gems. Instead, he is far more patriarchal and, because of that, restrained. His tragic speeches to Bo about his own failed career, along with his lamenting to Rex’s son, Vince, about missing his child’s birthdays, showcase a far more vulnerable Sandler than usual. There is no screaming or insulting, just a man dropping the tone of his voice to convey honesty, and Sandler nails it.

While Sandler is undoubtedly the performance that will be remembered, what will strike many viewers is just how grounded Hustle feels because of the cameos and access Sandler was able to showcase throughout Hustle. From Anthony Edwards playing Cruz's antagonist, to Hernangómez playing Cruz, and even a cameo from the famous coach, Doc Rivers, which sees Sandler courtside, playing the role of assistant coach, at an actual NBA game, which, having LeBron James on board as producer, certainly would have helped acquire. Because of these appearances, including real players playing supporters and enemies of Bo and Stan, it truly feels like you are watching someone's rise in the NBA.

Overall, people probably won't remember Hustle as a Robert Duvall movie, and he indeed plays a smaller role compared to his more memorable roles. However, that does not mean Duvall doesn't excel in the role, and it certainly doesn't make Hustle any lesser of a movie. If you want to see the true range of Duvall and Sandler, along with a brilliant sports film, then Hustle is the film for you, and it will not disappoint.

Hustle is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.