It’s been nearly three decades since Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore first stormed the golf course, blending hockey-fueled chaos with gut-busting comedy. Now, Happy Gilmore 2 is teeing up for a summer release, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Set to drop on Netflix on July 25, 2025, this sequel promises to bring back the heart, humor, and unorthodox golf swings that made the 1996 original a cult classic. Here’s everything you need to know about Happy’s big comeback.
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A Long-Awaited Return to the Fairway
The original Happy Gilmore followed a washed-up hockey player who discovered his wild slapshot translated into a killer golf swing. Happy’s mission to save his grandma’s house from foreclosure led to epic battles with golf snobs, a memorable brawl with Bob Barker, and a legion of fans quoting lines like “The price is wrong!” for years. Since then, fans have begged for a sequel, but Sandler was hesitant, worried about disappointing his audience. In 2024, he and co-writer Tim Herlihy finally cracked a script they’re proud of, and Happy Gilmore 2 was greenlit by Netflix. Sandler shared on The Tonight Show that they “wrote our asses off” to ensure this sequel lives up to the original’s legacy.
A Star-Studded Cast, Old and New
Sandler is back as Happy, joined by familiar faces from the original. Julie Bowen reprises her role as Virginia Venit, now Happy’s wife, while Christopher McDonald returns as the smug Shooter McGavin, still scheming to outshine Happy. Ben Stiller also pops up as Hal L., the former orderly now running a support group. Newcomers include Bad Bunny as Happy’s caddy, Margaret Qualley in a small role, and Lavell Crawford as the son of Happy’s late mentor, Chubbs Peterson. The film is packed with cameos, too—think Travis Kelce, Eminem, Post Malone, and pro golfers like Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus, and Paige Spiranac. Sandler’s daughters, Sadie and Sunny, even join the fun, with Sunny playing Happy’s daughter, Vienna. This mix of old favorites and fresh faces sets the stage for a wild ride.
A Heartfelt Plot with Family at Its Core
While Netflix is keeping plot details under wraps, the trailers reveal Happy coming out of retirement to raise money for his daughter Vienna’s ballet school, which costs a hefty $75,000 a year. After years away from golf, Happy’s a bit rusty and intimidated by younger players, but his signature grit (and hockey stick swing) pulls him back into the game. The story leans into themes of family, love, and redemption, with Christopher McDonald telling PEOPLE that the film has “a lot of heart.” The sequel also honors late cast members like Carl Weathers (Chubbs) and Bob Barker with touching tributes, weaving nostalgia into the narrative. Expect Happy to face off against Shooter McGavin again, possibly in a dramatic graveyard showdown teased in the trailers.
Cameos and Golf Legends Galore
One of the sequel’s biggest draws is its cameo-packed lineup. Sandler confirmed on the Dan Patrick Show that Eminem’s brief role is “funny as hell,” while Travis Kelce’s appearance has been praised as “surprisingly good” by McDonald. Professional golfers add authenticity, with stars like John Daly, Brooks Koepka, and Scottie Scheffler making appearances. A behind-the-scenes video shows Sandler goofing around with these pros, promising fans plenty of golf course antics. The mix of celebrity cameos and real-world athletes gives Happy Gilmore 2 a larger-than-life feel, perfect for a summer Netflix binge.
Why Fans Are Hyped for July 25
The buzz around Happy Gilmore 2 is electric, fueled by Netflix’s slick marketing and Sandler’s heartfelt commitment to the project. Trailers dropped at Netflix’s Tudum 2025 event and earlier in March have fans dissecting every Easter egg, from Happy’s Boston Bruins jersey to his Subway-sponsored swagger. Posts on X show fans losing it over the return of Shooter McGavin and the promise of new one-liners. With Kyle Newacheck directing and Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions behind it, the sequel aims to recapture the original’s irreverent charm while adding a modern twist. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, Happy Gilmore 2 is shaping up to be a hole-in-one for comedy lovers.
So, mark your calendars for July 25, 2025, and get ready to cheer, “You can do it!” as Happy Gilmore swings back into our lives. This sequel is all about heart, laughs, and a whole lot of golf course chaos—don’t miss it!