Nearly three decades after Adam Sandler’s hockey-player-turned-unlikely-golf-pro stormed the greens, shattering decorum and winning hearts, Happy Gilmore is back. Happy Gilmore 2, released globally on Netflix on July 25, 2025, marks one of the most anticipated comedy sequels in recent memory. But this isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a full-blown cinematic event blending Sandler’s signature humor, a star-studded ensemble, profound personal tragedy, and a surprising dose of real-world golf reverence. Fueling the excitement, none other than Taylor Swift declared the film a “13/10” and an “absolute must-watch” on her Instagram Story, urging fans to stream it immediately.
Beyond the Green: Happy Gilmore’s Unexpected Second Act
The sequel picks up almost 30 years after Happy’s iconic Tour Championship victory over the smarmy Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald). Life seemed golden: married to Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen), raising five kids, and basking in golfing glory. Yet, tragedy strikes early and brutally. A freak accident – a shanked tee shot – kills Virginia, shattering Happy’s world. Consumed by grief and guilt, he spirals into alcoholism, loses his grandmother’s house (the very one he fought to save in the first film), and winds up working at a supermarket, living in a rundown place with his only daughter still at home, Vienna (Sunny Sandler).
Hope emerges when Vienna’s ballet teacher, Monica (Jackie Sandler), recognizes her immense talent and recommends a prestigious, expensive ballet program in Paris. Desperate to give his daughter this opportunity, the rusty, reluctant Happy is coaxed back onto the golf course by none other than real-life golf wildcard John Daly, who lives in his garage. However, Happy’s comeback is derailed by a DUI (involving a golf cart crash), leading to a court mandate to attend an alcohol treatment program. The cruel twist? The program is run by his old nemesis, the abusive orderly Hal L. (Ben Stiller).
Simultaneously, a new threat looms: Maxi Golf, a flashy, disruptive league backed by energy drink hustler Frank Manatee (Benny Safdie). Maxi Golf lures players with promises of longer drives (achieved via dubious means) and aims to dismantle the traditional tour. When top young golfer Billy Jenkins (Haley Joel Osment) defects to Maxi Golf after winning a championship spot Happy desperately needed, Happy finds himself drafted onto the “traditional” golf team for a high-stakes showdown against the upstart league. This forces an unlikely alliance with his arch-rival, Shooter McGavin, recently released from psychiatric care.
The Sandler Family: Heart, Humor, and Hereditary Talent
A defining characteristic of Adam Sandler’s films is the frequent inclusion of his real-life family, and Happy Gilmore 2 continues this tradition meaningfully, tying their on-screen presence directly to the film’s emotional core.
- Jackie Sandler (Adam’s Wife): Jackie, whom Adam met on the set of Big Daddy (1999) and married in 2003, plays Monica, Vienna’s encouraging and perceptive ballet teacher. It’s Monica’s recognition of Vienna’s talent that becomes the catalyst for Happy’s entire journey. Jackie’s presence adds a layer of authentic warmth to the film’s family dynamic.
- Sunny Sandler (Adam’s Youngest Daughter): Sunny, 16, steps into the pivotal role of Vienna Gilmore, Happy’s ballet-aspiring daughter. Vienna is the emotional heart of the sequel. Her dreams drive the plot, and her relationship with her broken father provides the film’s most touching moments. Sunny brings a grounded sincerity to the role.
- Sadie Sandler (Adam’s Eldest Daughter): Sadie, 19, appears as Charlotte, a member of Hal L.’s intense alcohol support group that Happy is forced to attend. While a smaller role, it continues Sadie’s appearances in her father’s films, including You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.
Adam has often humorously defended casting his family, joking about their eagerness to be in his movies despite appearances to the contrary. In Happy Gilmore 2, their involvement feels particularly integrated, enhancing the story’s themes of family, loss, and redemption.
A Cast of Thousands: Returning Legends, New Faces, and Celebrity Mania
The Happy Gilmore 2 cast is nothing short of colossal, expertly blending beloved original characters with fresh faces and a dizzying array of celebrity cameos. View the full ensemble on Netflix’s official cast page.
- The Core Returnees:
- Adam Sandler: Naturally back as Happy Gilmore, channeling the character’s signature rage, vulnerability, and unexpected sweetness, now weathered by tragedy and time.
- Julie Bowen: Returns as Virginia Venit Gilmore. Though her screen time is limited due to the early tragedy, her presence haunts Happy and motivates his love for his daughter.
- Christopher McDonald: Steals scenes once again as the gloriously arrogant Shooter McGavin. His journey from institutionalization to reluctant ally provides significant laughs and unexpected depth.
- Ben Stiller: Reprises the memorably unhinged Hal L., now running the AA group, providing dark comedic relief and a direct link to the first film’s antagonism.
- Dennis Dugan: The original film’s director also returns on screen as tour commissioner Doug Thompson.
- Kevin Nealon: Back as commentator Gary Potter.
- Key New Additions:
- Benny Safdie: As the slick, villainous Frank Manatee, CEO of Maxi Golf, Safdie provides a compelling new antagonist representing the commercialization threatening the sport.
- Bad Bunny: A standout surprise as Oscar Mejías, a waiter who becomes Happy’s loyal, funny, and supportive caddy. His chemistry with Sandler is praised, and he features in one of the film’s most surreal and hilarious fantasy sequences involving Travis Kelce.
- Haley Joel Osment: Plays talented young golfer Billy Jenkins, whose defection to Maxi Golf creates the opening for Happy’s return to competition.
- Lavell Crawford: Takes on the role of Slim Peterson, the son of Happy’s late mentor Chubbs (Carl Weathers), inheriting his father’s wisdom and prosthetic hand, serving as a touching tribute.
- The Cameo Cavalcade: This is where Happy Gilmore 2 swings for the fences. The film features an unprecedented number of cameos, particularly from the world of sports:
- Golf Royalty: Virtually every notable golfer seems present, including Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Fred Couples, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Nelly Korda, Paige Spiranac, and many more. They play themselves or minor roles, often humorously commenting on the state of the game.
- Travis Kelce: The NFL superstar’s appearance generated significant buzz. He plays Oscar’s toxic restaurant boss in a few scenes. His most memorable moment comes in Bad Bunny’s “happy place” fantasy, where a half-naked Kelce is covered in honey and tied to a post, left for a bear! Sandler praised Kelce’s on-set demeanor and chemistry with Bad Bunny on the Kelce brothers’ New Heights podcast.
- Other Athletes & Personalities: Cameos extend to Reggie Bush (NFL), Becky Lynch (WWE), Kelsey Plum (WNBA), Boban Marjanović (NBA), sportscasters Stephen A. Smith, Chris Berman, Dan Patrick, Verne Lundquist, musicians Eminem, Post Malone, Kid Cudi, and influencers like Alix Earle and Sean Evans from Hot Ones.
- Supporting Players: Steve Buscemi as snoopy neighbor Pat, Eric André and Margaret Qualley as young golfers, Marcello Hernandez as Oscar’s cousin Esteban, and WWE star Maxwell Jacob Friedman as one of Happy’s sons, Gordie.
Reception: Nostalgia, Laughs, and Fairway Fervor
Initial reviews suggest Happy Gilmore 2 delivers solidly for its target audience: fans of the original and Sandler’s brand of comedy. While unlikely to convert newcomers or win major critical awards, it hits the right notes of nostalgia and absurdity.
- Fan Service Done Right: Critics note the film is packed with callbacks, recurring gags (like Happy improvising flasks), and pays touching tribute to deceased cast members like Carl Weathers (Chubbs) and Joe Flaherty (the original heckler).
- Golf’s Embrace: A fascinating shift from the first film is Happy Gilmore’s status as a respected legend within the golf world. The sequel features an astonishing array of real golf pros, a testament to the original film’s enduring popularity and impact on making golf seem more accessible and fun. Scenes poking fun at modern golf culture, like simulators in pro shops, resonate.
- Themes of Legacy and Tradition: Underneath the slapstick, the film explores Happy grappling with his past, the changing nature of the sport he loves (embodied by Maxi Golf), and the importance of family and tradition.
- Criticisms: Some reviews point to the film’s overstuffed nature (runtime: 118 minutes), excessive cameos that sometimes feel distracting, the inherent nepotism of Sandler’s casting choices, and a somewhat chaotic third act. The Tomatometer settled around 57%, while the audience Popcornmeter hit a much stronger 74%, indicating a clear divide between critics and fans.
- Taylor Swift’s Seal of Approval: Swift’s enthusiastic public endorsement (“cackling and cheering the whole movie!”) on premiere day is a significant cultural moment, likely driving substantial viewership from her massive fanbase. Sandler himself expressed deep admiration for Swift, telling Extra, “She’s done a lot for our planet, so we love her.”
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The release of Happy Gilmore 2 is more than just a movie drop; it’s a cultural event. It highlights:
- The Power of Nostalgia: Proving that characters and comedies from decades past can still command massive audience interest and affection in the streaming age.
- Adam Sandler’s Enduring Appeal: Sandler’s unique blend of goofy humor and unexpected heart continues to resonate with a global audience, bolstered by his successful partnership with Netflix.
- Golf’s Pop Culture Moment: The film showcases golf’s current popularity surge, leveraging its star players in a way unimaginable during the first film’s release.
- The “Sandlerverse” Family: The seamless integration of Sandler’s real family into his cinematic world remains a distinctive and endearing trademark.
- Celebrity Synergy: Cameos from figures like Kelce and Swift, alongside endorsements from them, blur the lines between sports, music, and film, creating a multi-platform buzz machine.
Where to Watch
Happy Gilmore 2 is available exclusively worldwide on Netflix as of July 25, 2025. Subscription plans start at $7.99/month (with ads).
Nearly 30 years later, Happy Gilmore’s return is a love letter to fans, a showcase for Sandler’s comedic family, and a surprisingly earnest defense of golf tradition wrapped in absurdity. While it may not reach the iconic status of the original, Happy Gilmore 2 delivers the laughs, nostalgia, and heart that fans crave. It’s a testament to Adam Sandler’s unique place in comedy – where family, friends, sports stars, and global pop icons like Taylor Swift can all share the green, and where a shanked drive can somehow lead to redemption. As Happy himself might say, it’s not about the scorecard; it’s about going for the shot. And this sequel takes a mighty, entertaining swing.