The classic comedy Happy Gilmore, one of Adam Sandler’s career-defining films, is finally getting a sequel! The original 1996 hit showcased Sandler as Happy Gilmore, a failed hockey player with an unexpected talent for golf, which he uses to help his grandmother reclaim her home. Alongside Sandler’s comedic prowess, the movie featured a standout cast, including Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin and Ben Stiller in a memorable cameo role. Though Sandler has been generally reluctant to pursue sequels, Happy Gilmore remains a fan favorite with a strong cult following, making this new project highly anticipated.
Happy Gilmore 2 Confirmation and Release
In May 2024, Netflix officially announced its involvement in Happy Gilmore 2, confirming that the beloved comedy will be streaming soon. Production updates started to emerge throughout the year, with Sandler revealing on Instagram in September 2024 that filming was underway. Pro golfer John Daly hinted at a potential release date, teasing fans that the movie could drop on Netflix around March or April 2025, though this hasn’t been verified by Netflix yet.
Cast and Cameos in Happy Gilmore 2
Adam Sandler will, of course, reprise his role as the temperamental golfer, Happy. His old rival Shooter McGavin, played by Christopher McDonald, is also set to return, as well as Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit, Happy’s love interest from the original. New cast members include Once Upon a Time in Hollywood star Margaret Qualley in an undisclosed role. Several notable figures are expected to make cameo appearances, including NFL star Travis Kelce, Uncut Gems co-director Benny Safdie, wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman, pro golfer John Daly, and even music superstar Bad Bunny. Familiar Sandler collaborators like Ben Stiller and Kevin Nealon could also return, bringing in nostalgia for longtime fans of Sandler’s Happy Madison productions.
Plot: What’s Next for Happy?
While the storyline remains largely under wraps, Sandler hinted in a 2022 interview that the sequel might explore an older, possibly wiser, Happy Gilmore returning to the world of golf. He suggested that this sequel would see Happy on a senior golf tour, where he may have another run-in with Shooter McGavin, rekindling their rivalry in hilarious fashion. This premise allows Sandler to blend his evolved comedic style with new layers of character depth, a quality he’s recently showcased in dramas like Uncut Gems.
A Return to Comedy Classics
The sequel not only revisits one of Sandler’s most iconic characters but also brings his brand of comedy back to familiar territory. With a blend of returning favorites and fresh faces, Happy Gilmore 2 is poised to capture both nostalgia and new surprises, making it a must-watch for both longtime Sandler fans and comedy lovers alike.
As Happy Gilmore 2 heads into post-production, fans can start marking their calendars in anticipation of this long-awaited comedy comeback.
