Netflix has gifted fans with excitement and nostalgia this Christmas by dropping the highly anticipated trailer for Happy Gilmore 2, starring Adam Sandler. Nearly 30 years after the original cult classic wowed audiences, the sequel promises to bring back the humor and charm of the beloved character.
The teaser, released on December 25, offers glimpses of the return of key characters, including Christopher McDonald as the iconic Shooter McGavin and Julie Bowen as Happy's love interest, Virginia Venit. With the original’s set up of Happy, the unconventional golfer, continuing his adventures, the film generates buzz and captures nostalgia for long-time fans.
Directed by Kyle Newacheck, who collaborated with Sandler on Murder Mystery, the sequel is co-written by Sandler himself and Tim Herlihy, the duo behind the original script. Set to stream exclusively on Netflix, the upcoming feature is slated for 2025, but as expected with high-profile releases, exact dates remain unconfirmed.
The short, 33-second teaser features humor reminiscent of the original film, including Happy donning his signature Boston Bruins jersey and humorously interacting with his fans. Audiences are treated to vintage elements alongside fresh plots as the sequel introduces new characters played by the likes of Travis Kelce, the NFL tight end, and rapper Bad Bunny, who now takes on the role of Happy's caddy.
New faces joining the film include popular talents like Margaret Qualley, Nick Swardson, Benny Safdie, and Scott Mescudi, aka Kid Cudi. There’s also notable mention of rap superstar Eminem, hinting at his comedic cameo alongside returning favorites. To sweeten the nostalgia, even legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus is set to make an appearance, demonstrating the blend of sports and comedy synonymous with the original film.
Sandler opened up on The Dan Patrick Show, sharing his enthusiasm about Eminem’s contributions. "He came in and was funny as hell. We just hung out... it was insane,” he said, indicating the fun and spontaneous nature of filming. Fans of the original can look forward to potentially hilarious interactions and cameos, reigniting fond memories of favorite scenes from the first film.
One notable detail fans might notice is homage to past characters. The Shooter McGavin character took to social media, stating he would dedicate his performance to Chubbs, who was portrayed by Carl Weathers, honoring his memory following the actor’s passing earlier this year. This nod to the past expresses both respect and sentimentality, making the sequel all the more meaningful for fans of the first film.
Reflecting on the success of the original Happy Gilmore, which grossed over $41 million against just $12 million budget and received accolades for its humor and Sandler's comedic performance, there are high expectations for its follow-up. The trailer successfully captures the spirit of the original, leading to anticipation and excitement among audiences eager to revisit the world of Happy Gilmore.
Even as plot specifics are kept largely under wraps, the teaser hints at Happy Gilmore’s advancement to the Senior Tour, marking a realistic evolution of the character over decades. Despite the passage of time, the signature humor present in the teaser has already sparked discussions and predictions about the film’s direction.
New and old fans alike will appreciate the direction of this sequel, which draws on the comedic roots of the original film, enhanced by new-age elements and fresh talent. Anticipation is high as Netflix continues its trend of reviving classic films for modern viewing audiences, and with Sandler's track record of popular hits on the platform, one can only expect big numbers and considerable viewership once it releases.
Overall, the teaser for Happy Gilmore 2 serves its purpose effectively; capturing nostalgia, offering comedy fondly remembered, and introducing newer stars to blend their star power with the established legacy of the original film. The release might still be two years away, but there’s no denying the excitement already brewing around the return of Happy Gilmore.
