After nearly 30 years, Adam Sandler returns as Happy Gilmore in Netflix's highly anticipated sequel. Featuring 48 celebrity cameos including Eminem, Bad Bunny, and Travis Kelce, the film follows Happy's comeback journey on the golf course.
After nearly three decades of waiting, golf fans and Adam Sandler enthusiasts finally have their hands on the long-awaited sequel. Happy Gilmore 2 premiered at the Lincoln Center in New York City on July 21, 2025, and was released on Netflix on July 25, 2025. The sequel brings back the beloved hockey-player-turned-golfer in what has become one of the most anticipated comedy sequels in recent memory.
The Long Journey to Happy Gilmore 2
In September 2022, Adam Sandler stated that he hoped to eventually make a sequel to Happy Gilmore, saying he had been creating ideas for what a follow-up film would be. The project gained momentum when Christopher McDonald revealed in March 2024 that a sequel was in development, and that Sandler had shown him a draft of the script to read. By May 2024, Netflix had officially greenlit the project.
Director Kyle Newacheck, who previously worked with Sandler on Murder Mystery, explains why the timing felt right: "Adam's very aware of his characters and very aware of the culture. There's been a wave of golf [popularity], so it feels like the movie is timely, just like it did in '96".
Plot and Storyline Details
The sequel picks up years after Happy's initial triumph. After winning his first Tour Championship, Happy Gilmore has a successful career on the golf course, winning four more gold jackets. He also has five kids with his wife Virginia Venit. However, Virginia dies in a freak accident caused by Happy's own powerful swing, leaving him with his five kids.
Devastated by guilt, Happy throws away his golf clubs, vowing to never play golf again. Happy soon becomes an alcoholic and loses everything, including his grandmother's house which he inherited. Years later, Happy works at a supermarket, and lives with his daughter Vienna, while his four sons have all moved out.
The story centers around Happy's comeback journey as he attempts to make his daughter's dream of attending a ballet program in Paris come true.
Star-Studded Cast and Returning Favorites
Returning Cast Members
Adam Sandler reprises his role as Happy Gilmore, alongside Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit Gilmore, Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Ben Stiller, and Dennis Dugan. The chemistry between these returning actors remains a highlight of the sequel.
New Cast Members
The film introduces several new faces:
- Benny Safdie as Frank Manatee, the CEO of Maxi Energy Drink
- Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio MartÃnez Ocasio) as Oscar, Happy's caddy
- Maxwell Jacob Friedman as Gordie Gilmore, Happy's eldest son
- Haley Joel Osment as Billy Jenkins, a young pro-golfer with a powerful swing
Sandler Family Involvement
True to Sandler's tradition, his family plays a significant role in the film. Sunny Sandler plays Happy's daughter Vienna, while Jackie Sandler appears as well. This family involvement adds an authentic touch to the movie's emotional core.
Celebrity Cameos That Stole the Show
Happy Gilmore 2 features an unprecedented number of celebrity appearances. The film includes 48 celebrity cameos in total, making it a star-studded spectacle.
Professional Golfers
The movie features an impressive lineup of real golf legends:
- Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler as fictionalized versions of themselves
- John Daly, who helps Happy out around the house, looking out for the five Gilmore kids
- Nelly Korda and Nancy Lopez also make appearances
Music Industry Stars
Eminem's Notable Cameo: Eminem appears as Donald Jr., the son of the original heckler character played by Joe Flaherty in the first film. Adam Sandler described Eminem's performance as "funny as hell" and "insane". The rapper's scene includes being tossed into a lake where he's torn to shreds by alligators in pretty brutal fashion.
Other music stars include:
- Post Malone as DJ Omar Gosh
- Kid Cudi in a cameo role
- Cam'ron making an appearance
Sports and Entertainment Figures
Travis Kelce plays Oscar's abusive boss at the club restaurant, while other notable cameos include Steve Buscemi, Eric André, and Margaret Qualley.
Production and Filming Details
Filming for Happy Gilmore 2 began on September 9th, 2024, and ended on December 12th, 2024. It took place entirely in the New Jersey area. The production was handled by Happy Madison Productions, with Jack Giarraputo, Tim Herlihy, Robert Simonds, and Adam Sandler listed as producers.
Kyle Newacheck directed the sequel, taking over from Dennis Dugan who helmed the original. Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy wrote the screenplay, ensuring continuity with the original film's tone and humor.
Critical Reception and Reviews
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 59% of 37 critics' reviews are positive. According to recent reports, the film is sporting a 71% "Popcornmeter" score and has 3.7 out of five stars.
Mixed Critical Response
Reviews have been polarizing. Some critics noted that "the first half of the movie was actually a fun throwback" with "great cameos and multiple laughs", while others felt the film relied too heavily on nostalgia. The Hollywood Reporter described it as "less a continuation than an exercise in fan service".
Many reviewers praised the cameos and returning performances but noted inconsistencies in the comedy. One reviewer mentioned, "I probably laughed twice in the first hour and I really wanted to love it because I've seen the first movie probably 50+ times".
Where and When to Watch
Happy Gilmore 2 debuted on Netflix on Friday, July 25th, 2025. The film is exclusively available on the streaming platform and will not receive a theatrical release. Netflix subscription options start at $7.99/month.
Streaming Details
The movie runs for approximately 1 hour 54 minutes and is rated PG-13. Netflix has made the film available globally, allowing international fans to enjoy the sequel simultaneously.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The original Happy Gilmore became a cultural phenomenon, and for many millennials, the original "Happy Gilmore" was as formative a film as "Caddyshack" was for Baby Boomers and Gen X. The sequel attempts to capture that same magic while introducing the character to a new generation.
The movie feels particularly timely given the recent surge in golf's popularity, making Happy's return to the green both nostalgic and relevant to current cultural trends.
Final Verdict
Happy Gilmore 2 serves as both a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and an attempt to introduce the character to new audiences. While the film may not reach the comedic heights of its predecessor, it offers plenty of entertainment value through its star-studded cast and ambitious scope.
As one review noted, "Happy Gilmore fans will love it", though newcomers might find themselves overwhelmed by the numerous callbacks and references to the original film.
The sequel successfully brings back the beloved character for one more round, complete with his signature hockey stick swing and explosive temper. Whether it lives up to the nearly three-decade wait will ultimately depend on individual expectations and attachment to the original film.
For fans of Adam Sandler's comedy style and golf enthusiasts alike, Happy Gilmore 2 represents a welcome return to a simpler time in comedy filmmaking, wrapped in the familiar comfort of Netflix's accessible streaming format.
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