At the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Adam Sandler revealed Kathy Bates initially dismissed The Waterboy script after just one page—but their eventual collaboration created one of the most beloved comedic duos of the ’90s. Their bond, which began with hesitation, has since become a testament to the power of unexpected casting.
Kathy Bates and Adam Sandler’s on-screen partnership in The Waterboy (1998) is now legendary, but as Sandler revealed at the 41st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the pairing almost never happened. Accepting the Maltin Modern Master Award on February 5, 2026, the comedian shared the dramatic story behind Bates’ near-rejection of the iconic role—and how a single moment of second-chance reading altered comedy history. People reported the story live from the event.
Theğü00a0Waterboy script, which Sandler and his team sent to Bates for the role of Mama Boucher, didn’t pass her first-glance test. According to Sandler, Bates read the opening page, shrugged, and “threw it in the garbage.” It was only after an associate in her camp retrieved it and urged her to continue that she gave it another chance. “The guy who works with Kathy picked it up and read it and said, ‘Kathy, I think you should read that script. It’s pretty funny,'” Sandler recalled with a laugh.
The ‘Waterboy’ Champion: How Bates Became Mama Boucher
Once Bates fully read the script, she agreed to take on the role of Bobby Boucher’s smothering, swamp-dwelling mother—a character who delivered some of the film’s most memorable lines (“You can do it! I believe in you!”). The decision transformed a potential flop into a cultural phenomenon. According to People, Bates later described the experience on The Drew Barrymore Show as “one of my favorite all-time experiences,” confirming she had read up to page 12 before initially tossing the script “right next to my bed.”
During his acceptance speech, Sandler emphasized that Bates is “always kind to me” and remains one of his most valued supporters, even outside the world of comedy. Whenever he takes on a dramatic role, he explained, “she calls me up” to encourage him. The mutual respect is clear, as Sandler admitted that spotting Bates in the audience during a recent stand-up set made him so nervous he “started pissing.”
Why ‘The Waterboy’aciosAY Matters, Twenty-Six Years Later
- Genre significance: Waterboy became one of the highest-grossing comedies of 1998 and the highest-grossing sports comedy in history at the time. Its success marked a turning point for Sandler’s transition from MTV sketch artist to leading man, a status solidified by his partnership with Bates.
- Cultural resonance: The film introduced catchphrases like “I’m mad! I’m realistic!” and “You can do it!” into everyday vernacular, cementing its place in ’90s pop culture. The duo’s chemistry set a template for future comedic mother-son dynamics.
- Fan theories: Over the years, fans have debated if Mama Boucher’s exaggerated character was a nod to Southern stereotypes or a satirical tender commentary on maternal overprotection. Bates’ grounded yet hilarious performance silenced critics, proving the role could be both absurd and heartfelt.
The Lesson in Second Chances
Sandler and Bates’ story is a reminder that even Oscar-winning actors of Bates’ caliber can miss the magic on a first read. It also highlights Sandler’s early talent for casting: recognizing that the intensity Bates brought to dramatic roles could translate into brilliant physical comedy. In speeches and interviews, Bates has spoken publicly about her regret in dismissing the script so quickly, noting that the character allowed her to showcase a rare comedic side. For Sandler, the lesson was simple: “Great people make you better,” he said at the festival, echoing a sentiment that has guided his career growth into dramatic acclaim (Uncut Gems, Punch-Drunk Love).
Fan Reactions and Future Collaborations
Social media users, many of whom grew up watching Waterboy, expressed outrage and relief in equal measure upon hearing Bates’ reaction: “A world where Kathy didn’t play Mama Boucher is a darker timeline,” one user tweeted. Others speculated on whether Sandler might revive the iconic duo in a sequel—which the actor has ruled out, instead choosing to collaborate on Netflix’s The Ridiculous 6 (2015) and fostering their off-screen friendship.
While fans may never get a Waterboy 2, the legacy of Sandler and Bates’ chemistry endures. At 59 and 77 respectively, both have evolved in their careers—Sandler toward critical acclaim, Bates into pursuits from horror to drama—but their mutual respect remains a rarity in Hollywood. As Sandler cracked at the festival, “We’re very close. I love her very much.” And comedy history loves them right back.
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