Netflix is bringing back one of the most beloved sports comedies ever made. Happy Gilmore 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 1996 cult classic, is officially arriving on July 25, 2025. After nearly 30 years, Adam Sandler is returning as the short-tempered hockey player-turned-golfer who captured audiences with his wild swing and even wilder personality. This time, the film will debut exclusively on Netflix—perfectly timed for a global summer audience eager for nostalgic laughs and new surprises.
Why Happy Gilmore 2 Is a Must-Watch Movie Event
Fans of the original film have waited nearly three decades for a sequel, and Happy Gilmore 2 finally delivers. Not only is Adam Sandler returning to his iconic role, but the story promises emotional depth alongside the slapstick humor that made the first movie a hit. This time around, Happy returns to the golf course with a mission: raising money for his daughter’s ballet education in France. That personal motivation adds emotional weight and maturity to the character, creating a more well-rounded and heartwarming narrative.
While the film maintains the goofy, chaotic energy of the original, the sequel introduces growth. Happy is older, maybe wiser, but still dangerously unpredictable with a golf club. Happy Gilmore 2 successfully mixes new-age comedy with old-school nostalgia, making it ideal for both returning fans and new viewers.
Also Read : Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Set to Premiere on Hulu
Returning Cast Brings Nostalgia and Familiar Faces
Happy Gilmore 2 wouldn’t be complete without its iconic characters, and the film makes sure to bring back some of the most memorable names. Adam Sandler leads the pack, reprising his role as the title character. Julie Bowen returns as Virginia Venit, Happy’s love interest from the first film. Christopher McDonald also makes his comeback as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s original rival who is once again causing trouble on the green.
Also returning are Ben Stiller (as the hilariously cruel orderly Hal L.), Kevin Nealon, and Dennis Dugan. Each brings their familiar quirks and comic timing that helped define the original. Sandler’s daughters, Sadie and Sunny Sandler, will also appear in supporting roles—an emotional inclusion that connects the story to Sandler’s real-life legacy.
The casting choices reinforce the film’s nostalgic tone, giving fans exactly what they want: a reunion that feels earned rather than forced.
New Cast Members and Celebrity Cameos Add Star Power
In addition to familiar faces, Happy Gilmore 2 is packed with surprising new additions. Global superstar Bad Bunny joins the cast as Happy’s new caddie, offering a comedic spin that’s sure to appeal to younger viewers. Margaret Qualley, Eric André, Benny Safdie, Kid Cudi, and Haley Joel Osment are just a few of the new stars joining this comedy ensemble.
Perhaps the biggest surprise? Eminem makes a cameo, playing a fictionalized version of himself. His unexpected appearance adds a humorous twist to the film, especially for fans of both hip-hop and golf culture. Other celebrity guests include Post Malone, Travis Kelce, Ken Jennings, and Boban Marjanović. These cameos bring an extra layer of fun and unpredictability to the movie, aligning perfectly with the offbeat humor that defines the Happy Gilmore franchise.
Even Sandler himself admitted that these cameos were designed to “break the fourth wall” and surprise the audience in the best ways possible.
Golf Legends Join the Fray for Realistic Sports Moments
One of the standout elements of Happy Gilmore 2 is its impressive list of professional golfers and sports personalities making guest appearances. Expect to see real-life golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, John Daly, and Paige Spiranac sharing screen time with Sandler. Their presence adds credibility to the sports sequences, which have been choreographed to look more realistic while maintaining a comedic tone.
Travis Kelce, fresh off his Super Bowl win, will also be showing off his acting chops. His appearance has already been praised by producers and crew members for his “natural charisma” and comedic timing. The mix of actors and real athletes adds an authentic flavor to the fictional tournament settings.
These cameos aren’t just background noise—they play crucial roles in heightening the drama and humor throughout the film, pushing Happy to new emotional and physical limits.
Honoring Carl Weathers and the Legacy of Chubbs
One of the most touching parts of Happy Gilmore 2 is its tribute to the late Carl Weathers, who played Chubbs Peterson in the original. Following Weathers’ death in 2024, the film underwent a significant rewrite. According to director Tim Herlihy, Sandler was adamant about giving Chubbs a respectful sendoff. The sequel now includes a scene at Chubbs’ memorial, as well as the introduction of his fictional son—adding emotional depth and continuity.
Sandler acknowledged that rewriting the script without Weathers was emotionally challenging but necessary to honor a character and actor who meant so much to the franchise. These moments of tribute are expected to bring audiences to tears, offering a rare emotional core within a Sandler comedy.
This emotional thread deepens the film, adding a reflective note to a story otherwise filled with outrageous gags and colorful characters.
Official Release Date and Streaming Time
Netflix has announced that Happy Gilmore 2 will premiere globally on July 25, 2025. The streaming platform will release the film at 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time, which is 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and 8:00 a.m. British Summer Time. As part of Sandler’s long-standing multi-film contract with Netflix, this release continues the trend of his direct-to-streaming movies.
Given Netflix’s global reach and user base, the decision to skip theatrical release makes sense. It allows fans everywhere to stream Happy Gilmore 2 simultaneously, creating a shared viewing event and generating instant buzz across social media.
