Despite Long-Awaited Sequel, Director Kyle Newacheck Confirms There Are No Active Plans for Happy Gilmore 3
After nearly three decades of fan anticipation, Happy Gilmore 2 finally debuted on Netflix in July 2025. The response from nostalgic audiences was immediate. But while fans speculate about a third installment, director Kyle Newacheck has firmly stated that there are no current plans for Happy Gilmore 3.
In an exclusive interview with The Direct, Newacheck explained that even considering a third film now would be premature. He noted that the sequel took nearly 30 years to come together, saying, “The first one took a 29-year gestation period before they figured out what the second one is. I feel like whatever I come up with right now is going to be, not it, homie.”
This comment alone suggests that, even with positive reception, the likelihood of Happy Gilmore 3 being greenlit soon is extremely low.
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A Sequel Three Decades in the Making Suggests a Similar Wait Could Follow for a Potential Third InstallmentThe original Happy Gilmore, released in 1996, became a cult comedy classic. It told the story of a hockey player who discovers a gift for golf and uses it to save his grandmother’s home. The follow-up, Happy Gilmore 2, continues the story with Happy raising funds for his daughter’s ballet school.
However, the path to that sequel was long and uncertain. According to reports, Adam Sandler only began writing the second installment in 2022, after years of offhand mentions in interviews. That script took over three years to develop before production began.
Given how long it took for Happy Gilmore 2 to materialize, a potential Happy Gilmore 3 would likely undergo a similarly extensive development period. Newacheck’s comments reinforce this view—emphasizing the creative and emotional investment needed before another installment can take shape.
Adam Sandler Has Remained Silent on Happy Gilmore 3 but Has Shown Interest in Reviving Other Classic Characters
As the driving force behind the Happy Gilmore franchise, Adam Sandler has yet to confirm any involvement in a third movie. Though fans have pressed for updates, Sandler has remained focused on other projects. In a 2022 interview on the Variety Award Circuit Podcast, he expressed a desire to revisit The Waterboy, another of his beloved comedies.
“That would be fun as hell,” Sandler said at the time, referring to a Waterboy sequel. “I love Mama. I love Henry Winkler. I mean, come on. He’s always gonna be Coach Klein to me.” Interestingly, this was the same platform where he had previously teased the idea of Happy Gilmore 2.
As of mid-2025, Sandler’s confirmed schedule includes only one upcoming release: Jay Kelly, a project directed by Noah Baumbach. His long-stalled collaboration with the Safdie brothers has not seen progress since 2023. Although this availability might offer an opening, there’s no official confirmation that Sandler is considering Happy Gilmore 3.
Mixed Reviews and Star-Studded Cameos May Affect the Likelihood of a Sequel Moving Forward
Upon release, Happy Gilmore 2 generated significant media attention, thanks in part to several high-profile cameos. Notable appearances included Travis Kelce, Bad Bunny, Ben Stiller, and returning stars like Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald. Even Taylor Swift posted on social media praising the film, calling it a “13/10 must-watch,” especially noting Kelce’s brief role.
However, despite social media excitement, critics were divided. Reviewers from Looper gave the film a 4/10, criticizing its over-reliance on celebrity appearances and describing its humor as forced and overworked. Other outlets noted weak cinematography and a lack of the original film’s heartfelt tone.
Although fans might hope for Happy Gilmore 3, its predecessor’s reception could influence studio executives. If Happy Gilmore 2 continues to perform well on Netflix and maintains fan interest, those metrics could be persuasive. Still, industry sources say no sequel is being actively considered at this time.
Box Office and Streaming Performance Could Influence the Future of the Happy Gilmore Franchise
The release of Happy Gilmore 2 as a Netflix exclusive rather than a theatrical film was a calculated decision. The film premiered on July 25, 2025, and quickly climbed Netflix’s global Top 10 charts. It also sparked interest in a retro-inspired video game, Happy Gilmore: Golf Mayhem ’98, which trended on gaming platforms the same week.
Even with a strong initial viewership, Netflix and Sandler’s production team will likely study long-term engagement. Repeat views, social media shares, and international reception will all play a part in determining if Happy Gilmore 3 can move beyond the idea stage.
For now, however, the streaming numbers—no matter how promising—have not yet translated into any tangible movement on a third installment.
