After nearly three decades and countless fan requests, Happy Gilmore 2 is officially on its way—and this time, the stakes are personal.
Directed by Kyle Newacheck and written by longtime collaborators Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler, the sequel revisits the explosive, irreverent world of Happy Gilmore, the hockey-player-turned-golfer who first won hearts in 1996. Now, 30 years after his initial tour victory, Happy returns to the game for a heartfelt reason: to pay for his daughter Vienna’s ballet school.
A Blend of Old Favorites and Fresh Faces
Fans of the original will be thrilled to see many familiar names back in action. Adam Sandler reprises his role as the temperamental but lovable Happy, joined by Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit, Christopher McDonald as the ever-smug Shooter McGavin, and Dennis Dugan as Commissioner Doug Thompson. Ben Stiller also returns as Hal L., the sadistic retirement home orderly who now somehow leads a support group—because of course he does.
New cast members include Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (aka Bad Bunny) as Happy’s caddy, Sunny Sandler as Vienna Gilmore, and Kym Whitley as a member of Hal’s group. A lineup of comedic and dramatic talent fills out the ensemble, including Eric André, Haley Joel Osment, Margaret Qualley, and Benny Safdie. Professional wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman and actor Ethan Cutkosky also appear, alongside an unexpected roster of pro athletes and celebrities.
Cameos That Cross Genres
The film’s cameo list reads like a cultural bingo card. Golf legends such as Rory McIlroy, Nelly Korda, and Jack Nicklaus make appearances alongside modern sports icons like Travis Kelce and Reggie Bush. Rap artists Cam’ron, Eminem, and Post Malone are also set to appear, as are game show host Ken Jennings and Jeopardy! sportscaster Dan Patrick. Even Sandler’s real-life wife and daughters have cameos, making this a true family affair.
Filming and Production
Netflix greenlit the sequel in 2024, marking a shift from Universal Pictures, which distributed the original film. Filming began in September 2024—coincidentally on Sandler’s 58th birthday—and wrapped in December. Shooting took place across a range of New Jersey locations, including golf courses, diners, schools, and even a Stop & Shop supermarket. According to reports, production leaned heavily into the nostalgic charm of the original while weaving in absurd new setups and heartfelt family dynamics.
What to Expect
While the original Happy Gilmore was a chaotic underdog story full of slapstick, the sequel appears to add new emotional layers. Happy, now older and reluctantly wiser, is driven not by rage or rivalry—but by fatherly love. But don’t worry: Shooter McGavin is back to stir the pot, and with the addition of colorful new characters and absurd scenarios, it’s clear that Happy Gilmore 2 aims to land laughs as hard as its protagonist once hit golf balls.
