The wait is finally over! Fans eager for Happy Gilmore 2, the long-awaited sequel to Adam Sandler’s 1996 golf comedy, can mark their calendars for its Netflix premiere on July 25.
A Nostalgic Comeback
A newly released trailer brings Sandler back as Happy Gilmore, the former hockey player who turned his fiery temper into golf success.
The sequel is packed with nostalgic callbacks, an all-star cast, and some exciting new faces—including Bad Bunny. The trailer also teases appearances from pro golfers like John Daly, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau.
Familiar faces return as well, including Julie Bowen (Virginia Venit), Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin), and Ben Stiller, reprising his role as the cruel nursing home orderly from the original.
What’s the Story?
The trailer, released on March 18, hints at Gilmore’s struggle to get back in the game.
“I haven’t swung a club in years,” he admits. “I don’t know where to start.”
Acknowledging the time that has passed, he reflects:
“I guess I need to update my happy place to something a little more age-appropriate.”
Bowen’s character, Virginia, steps in to offer encouragement:
“We’re not done with golf. Let them see the Happy I fell in love with.”
In an April 2024 interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Sandler confirmed he was co-writing the film with longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy, though he kept plot details under wraps.
“We’re working on it. Me and Herlihy are trying to make a reason for everyone to come watch and have a good time,” he said.
The film will also pay tribute to original cast members who have passed away, including Bob Barker, Carl Weathers, and Joe Flaherty.
“We love those guys,” Sandler said. “They’re such a big part of the movie, and we want to honor them in some way.”
Who’s Behind Happy Gilmore 2?
The sequel reunites key players from the original. While Sandler and Tim Herlihy wrote the script, the first film’s director, Dennis Dugan, returns as an executive producer. Kyle Newacheck, who previously directed Sandler in Murder Mystery, will helm the film.
How It All Came Together
Speculation about a sequel started in September 2024 when Sandler teased fans with an Instagram post.
“It ain’t over,” he wrote, alongside an image of Happy’s iconic Bruins jersey. “The way I see it… we’ve only just begun.”
Before that, Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin) was the first to spill the news.
“I saw Adam [Sandler] two weeks ago… he showed me the first draft of Happy Gilmore 2… It’s in the works. Fans demand it, damn it!” he said during The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima in March 2024.
Even Drew Barrymore joined in the excitement. On an April 2024 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, she reacted to the news:
“I want it. I need it.”
Who’s in the Cast?
Netflix has confirmed a star-studded lineup, including:
- Adam Sandler
- Christopher McDonald
- Julie Bowen
- Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio)
- Travis Kelce
- Conor Sherry
- Ethan Cutowsky
- Maxwell Jacob Friedman
- Philip Fine Schneider
- Rory McIlroy
- Scottie Scheffler
- Bryson DeChambeau
- Brooks Koepka
- Justin Thomas
- Will Zalatoris
- Ben Stiller
- Blake Clark
- Paige Spiranac
- Sunny Sandler
- Sadie Sandler
- John Daly
A Quick Recap: What’s Happy Gilmore About?
The original 1996 film followed an unsuccessful hockey player with a legendary temper who discovered a talent for golf. Using his powerful, unconventional swing, he entered a golf tournament to save his grandmother’s home.
Reflecting on the film’s impact, Bowen admitted she never expected it to become a cult classic:
“At the time, I just thought, ‘Oh, no one will ever see this.’ I couldn’t have been more wrong.”
With Happy Gilmore 2 on the way, fans are ready to tee off on another wild, comedy-filled ride.
