Fans of Adam Sandler are buzzing with excitement as the beloved comedy character, Happy Gilmore, makes a triumphant return in the sequel to the iconic 1996 film. Titled Happy Gilmore 2, the film is set to debut on Netflix on July 25, 2025, nearly three decades after the original film captured audiences with its unique blend of golf and humor.
In the new installment, Sandler reprises his role as Happy Gilmore, a former hockey player who conquers the world of golf while clad in his signature Boston Bruins jersey. The film promises to deliver more laughs and memorable moments as Happy returns to competitive golf, navigating the challenges of the PGA Tour.
Joining Sandler on this comedic adventure are a slew of professional golfers, including stars like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, and Rickie Fowler, among others. These athletes are not only lending their star power to the film but also playing themselves in hilarious scenes designed to entertain both fans of the sport and movie aficionados alike.
The trajectory toward a sequel was not straightforward. For years, there was speculation about a follow-up, but Sandler hesitated, expressing doubts about whether a second movie could capture the magic of the original. During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in August 2024, Sandler admitted, “People have been asking me for a long time, ‘Do Happy Gilmore 2?’. I was always like, ‘Nah, I’ll only let you down’.” After brainstorming with his co-writer Tim Herlihy, Sandler felt ready to take the plunge, stating, “But then me and my buddy, Tim Herlihy, we came up with this idea. We’re really excited about it.”
Fans were recently treated to the first official trailer for Happy Gilmore 2, released on March 18, 2025. In the trailer, Sandler’s character is once again seen struggling through the trials of golf, humorously interacting with both professionals and amateurs alike. Notable appearances also include John Daly, who shares his legendary advice by telling Gilmore to “grip it and rip it.” This tagline seems to resonate with the fanfare leading up to the sequel’s release.
In exciting cast news, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and rapper Bad Bunny are set to make cameo appearances. Kelce, already notable for his energetic personality both on and off the football field, is expected to entertain in his new role, which involves interaction with Sandler’s character at a country club. Sandler praised Kelce during his Tonight Show appearance last August, saying, “[Travis is] gonna come by. He’s a very nice guy. What a big, handsome guy. Funny and cool as hell. He’s a stud and he’s so funny.”
Some familiar faces also return to the franchise, such as Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald, who reprise their roles from the first film, adding a nostalgic touch to the sequel. However, the absence of Carl Weathers, who played the iconic character Chubbs and passed away in 2024, is felt deeply. The film aims to honor his legacy with a new character replacing Chubbs as Happy’s coach.
Despite the excitement surrounding the upcoming movie, fans have expressed disappointment over the decision to release Happy Gilmore 2 exclusively on Netflix, forgoing a theatrical release. Many have taken to social media to voice their frustrations, with users on X (once Twitter) lamenting, “The fact Happy Gilmore 2 is only on Netflix is a major disappointment. It’s one of the few films in the last decade I’d actually go to the theater to watch.” Others have echoed similar sentiments, stating they would “happily pay to watch Happy Gilmore 2 in a packed theater.”
As the film nears its release, the anticipation continues to build. The mix of nostalgia, laughter, and golf star cameos is a recipe for success, and fans are hopeful that it will deliver just as much charm and humor as the original. The journey back into the world of Happy Gilmore appears to be a rollercoaster of emotions and comedy, and many are ready to jump on board.
In the end, the modern era of films continues to challenge the traditional theater-going experience, as industry players grapple with preferences shifting toward streaming platforms. Critics, including Anora director Sean Baker, have spoken out about this shift, emphasizing the value of watching films together as a shared experience.
