The classic 1996 comedy, Happy Gilmore, is making a triumphant return for fans eager for a nostalgic sequel.
Adam Sandler, the original star and co-writer, is back with a familiar cast, welcoming back beloved characters alongside new talent such as Travis Kelce and Bad Bunny. The film will be directed by Kyle Newacheck, with the original director, Dennis Dugan, contributing as an executive producer. Other producers include Jack Giarraputo, Robert Simonds, Judit Maull, Kevin Grady, David Bausch, and Barry Bernardi, ensuring a strong production team that fans can trust.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect from this highly anticipated sequel, which is set to premiere on Netflix.
Discover the Star-Studded Cast of Happy Gilmore 2
The upcoming golf comedy promises a heartwarming reunion with Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald reprising their iconic roles. Bowen will once again portray Virginia Venit, a former PGA Tour publicist who becomes a romantic interest for Happy. Meanwhile, McDonald will return as the arrogant pro golfer Shooter McGavin, who constantly tries to sabotage Happy’s success out of sheer jealousy.
“Shooter McGavin and Virginia Venit, please report to the green!” Netflix announced excitedly on X. “Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald will be back in action for Happy Gilmore 2!”
In an April 2024 appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Sandler mentioned his desire to include comedian Drew Carey in the film, following in the footsteps of Bob Barker, who made a memorable cameo in the original. Patrick also confirmed during the show that he will be making an appearance in the movie as well.
“When we were crafting the script, Bob (Barker) was still with us,” Sandler shared. “We were also writing when Carl Weathers and Joe Flaherty were alive. It’s tough to lose them; they were integral to our story and fantastic individuals. We’re committed to honoring their legacy in some way.”
Sadly, Barker passed away in 2023, while Weathers and Flaherty also left us this year.
Bad Bunny, known for his roles in films like Bullet Train (2022) and Cassandro (2023), is confirmed to join the cast in an undisclosed role for Happy Gilmore 2. “Benito Sandler,” Netflix teased on X, revealing Bad Bunny’s real name, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. “Benito Martínez Ocasio will star in Happy Gilmore 2!”
In an August 2024 appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Sandler hinted at a special cameo by Kansas City Chiefs tight end, who is slated to appear in the new Ryan Murphy series Grotesquerie on FX and will host the upcoming spinoff Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?, debuting in October. “Travis mentioned it, so we have something special planned for him,” Sandler told Fallon. “He’s a genuinely great guy; you all would love him in real life.”
Additionally, Sandler confirmed to Indiewire that Benny Safdie will play a significant role in the film, promising fans a standout performance.
The film will also feature several professional golfers, including stars like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, and Will Zalatoris, adding authenticity and star power to the storyline.
Recap of the Original Plot of Happy Gilmore
The original sports comedy follows the story of Happy Gilmore, a hot-tempered ice hockey player who stumbles upon a remarkable talent for golf, particularly showcasing a powerful and unconventional swing that catches everyone off guard.
Faced with a looming threat of losing his grandmother’s home over unpaid taxes, Happy decides to enter a golf tournament in hopes of winning enough money to save her house. Despite his lack of formal training and understanding of golf etiquette, his natural talent quickly draws attention, and he teams up with former pro Chubbs Peterson, who mentors him in refining his golfing skills.
Happy rapidly rises to fame on the PGA Tour, captivating audiences with his unorthodox style and entertaining antics. However, he faces opposition from the snobbish pro Shooter McGavin, who perceives Happy as a significant threat to his own career. In a thrilling finale, Happy triumphs at the Tour Championship, reclaiming his grandmother’s house and receiving a poignant vision of his late mentor, Chubbs.
Plot Insights for the Upcoming Happy Gilmore 2
Netflix has yet to unveil the full plot details for the sequel, but Sandler and his fellow cast member have provided some intriguing hints. In August 2024, Sandler revealed that the film centers around “an older guy who played golf a long time ago.” He also mentioned that his character would feature in flashbacks set in the 1950s, although he was unable to disclose further specifics at this time.
During an appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna on September 12, 2024, Bowen expressed her excitement about returning as Virginia, confirming that she and Happy “are very much together,” suggesting a continued romance that fans will enjoy.
Sandler, along with his original co-writer Tim Herlihy, has been diligently crafting the script since February 2024, as indicated by a post on X.
There’s a difference between not having a script, and not letting Nick “Loose Lips” Swardson read the script. Believe me, there’s a script. There’s been one since February. https://t.co/BWoBdi8jXD
— Tim Herlihy (@MrTimHerlihy) August 6, 2024
Anticipated Release Date for Happy Gilmore 2
Initially, the film was projected to debut on Netflix sometime in 2025. However, a report from Deadline on February 13 revealed that the specific release date has been set for July 25, creating excitement among fans eagerly awaiting its arrival.
On September 9, 2024, Sandler hinted that production on the comedy has officially commenced, sharing an Instagram photo of the iconic hockey jersey with the caption, “It ain’t over. The way I see it… we’ve only just begun,” generating buzz among fans about the project.
