Happy Gilmore: A Cult Classic Returns
Nearly three decades after its original release in 1996, Happy Gilmore remains one of Adam Sandler’s most beloved comedies. The film introduced audiences to Happy Gilmore, a failed hockey player with a blistering slap shot who discovers his unlikely talent for golf.
With his explosive temper and unconventional style, Happy shook up the PGA Tour, all in a bid to save his grandmother’s home. The movie’s blend of slapstick humor, sports satire, and heartfelt moments made it a fan favorite and a staple of Sandler’s early career.
When Is Happy Gilmore 2 Being Released?
The long-awaited sequel, Happy Gilmore 2, officially premiered on Netflix on July 25, 2025, with streaming available from 3 a.m. ET / midnight PT. Unlike the original, which had a theatrical release, the sequel is a Netflix exclusive, meaning fans can enjoy it from the comfort of their homes.
Plot Overview
Happy Gilmore 2 picks up 29 years after Happy’s first Tour Championship win. Now retired and living a quieter life, Happy is a father of five—four rambunctious sons and one daughter, Vienna, who dreams of attending an elite ballet school in Paris. Tragedy strikes early in the film when Happy’s wife, Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen), dies in a freak golf accident, prompting Happy to abandon the sport and spiral into depression.
But when Vienna’s tuition bill arrives—$75,000 a year—Happy realizes he must return to the game he once dominated. His comeback journey is filled with emotional hurdles, outrageous training montages, and a showdown against the flashy, corporate-backed MAXI Golf League, which threatens the integrity of traditional golf.
Cast and Characters
The sequel features a mix of returning favorites and fresh faces:
| Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Happy Gilmore | Adam Sandler | Older, grizzled, and reluctantly returning to golf |
| Virginia Venit | Julie Bowen | Happy’s wife, tragically killed early in the film |
| Shooter McGavin | Christopher McDonald | Former rival turned reluctant ally |
| Hal L. | Ben Stiller | Now leading a support group for recovering alcoholics |
| Vienna Gilmore | Sunny Sandler | Happy’s daughter and aspiring ballerina |
| Oscar Mejías | Bad Bunny | Happy’s quirky new caddie |
| Slim Peterson | Lavell Crawford | Son of Chubbs, Happy’s late mentor |
| Doug Thompson | Dennis Dugan | PGA Tour commissioner |
| Beach Man | Blake Clark | Offers cryptic golf wisdom |
| The Waiter | Travis Kelce | Cameo as a honey-slathering hotel staffer |
Cameos and Tributes
The film is packed with celebrity cameos, including Eminem, Post Malone, Paige Spiranac, Rory McIlroy, and Jack Nicklaus. It also pays tribute to characters and actors from the original who have passed away, such as Chubbs Peterson (Carl Weathers), Grandma Gilmore (Frances Bay), and Mr. Larson (Richard Kiel).
Reception and Legacy
While reviews are mixed—some praising its nostalgic charm and others critiquing its chaotic plot—Happy Gilmore 2 undeniably delivers on fan service. It’s a heartfelt, cameo-filled romp that honors the original while exploring themes of grief, redemption, and fatherhood.