Nearly three decades after Adam Sandler's iconic role as the unpredictable golfer Happy Gilmore first swung onto the big screen, fans worldwide have a new reason to celebrate. "Happy Gilmore 2" is set to tee off exclusively on Netflix this Friday, July 25, 2025, bringing the beloved character back to the green with a fresh story and a star-studded cast.
Directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler alongside Tim Herlihy, the sequel picks up with Happy facing a new challenge: returning to professional golf to fund his daughter’s ballet education. This heartfelt premise adds a layer of depth to the comedy, as Happy, who hasn’t swung a club in years according to a March 2025 teaser, steps back into the competitive world to support his family.
Fans of the original 1996 film will be delighted to see familiar faces reprising their roles. Julie Bowen returns as Virginia, Happy’s now-wife, while Ben Stiller reprises his role as Hal, the nursing home attendant. Christopher McDonald also makes a comeback, maintaining the nostalgic charm that made the first film a cult classic.
Adding fresh energy to the sequel are newcomers like rapper and actor Bad Bunny, who plays Happy’s caddy, and SNL’s Marcello Hernandez. The film also features a slew of celebrity cameos, including the much-anticipated appearance of NFL star Travis Kelce. Sandler himself expressed enthusiasm about Kelce’s involvement during an August 2024 episode of Kelce’s New Heights podcast, joking about how they imagined Kelce as his "first baby" in the film — a humorous nod to their off-screen camaraderie.
But the surprises don’t end there. "Happy Gilmore 2" boasts an impressive lineup of professional golfers making cameo appearances, bridging the gap between fiction and real-world sports. The roster includes PGA and LIV Tour stars such as Keegan Bradley, John Daly, Bryson DeChambeau, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Lee Trevino, Will Zalatoris, and even the legendary Jack Nicklaus. This integration of real golf legends adds authenticity and excitement for golf enthusiasts tuning in.
Interestingly, the name Happy Gilmore is not just a fictional creation. A real-life golfer named Landon James Gilmore, nicknamed "Happy" since childhood after winning a long-drive contest, plays collegiate golf at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Despite sharing the moniker, he is not involved in the movie, underscoring the unique legacy the name carries both on and off screen.
As for the viewing experience, "Happy Gilmore 2" is not hitting theaters. Netflix holds exclusive streaming rights, making it accessible only through its platform. The movie will debut at midnight Pacific Time (3 a.m. Eastern Time) on July 25, aligning with Netflix’s global release strategy. For viewers in Australia, the film will be available at 5 p.m. AEST the same day, ensuring fans worldwide can join in on the fun simultaneously.
Netflix offers several subscription tiers to accommodate different viewing preferences. The Standard with Ads plan starts at $7.99 per month, allowing HD streaming on two devices with limited ads. The ad-free Standard plan costs $17.99 monthly and supports two devices with options to add extra members for a fee. For those wanting the premium experience, the $24.99 per month Premium plan offers 4K UHD streaming on up to four devices, HDR support, Netflix Spatial Audio, and the ability to add multiple extra members. The Basic plan has been discontinued, reflecting Netflix’s evolving service offerings.
For longtime fans of "Happy Gilmore," this sequel promises a blend of nostalgia, humor, and fresh storytelling. With Adam Sandler back in the lead, supported by a dynamic cast and a host of celebrity cameos, the film aims to recapture the irreverent spirit of the original while introducing new dimensions to the character’s journey.
Whether you’re a golf fan eager to spot your favorite pros or a comedy lover ready for some laughs, "Happy Gilmore 2" offers something for everyone. And thanks to Netflix’s global launch, you won’t have to wait long to see if Happy can still bring his unique brand of chaos to the course.
So mark your calendars, set your alarms, and prepare to watch Happy Gilmore swing back into action—this time, with a cause that’s close to his heart.
