The Wait Is Over: “Happy Gilmore 2” Arrives July 25 on Netflix
Nearly three decades after the unorthodox hockey player-turned-golfer took the Tour Championship by storm, “Happy Gilmore” is finally making his long-awaited comeback. “Happy Gilmore 2“, the sequel to the 1996 cult sports comedy, premieres tomorrow, July 25, on Netflix, marking Adam Sandler’s return to the golf green — and to one of his most iconic roles.
A Sequel 29 Years in the Making
First released on February 16, 1996, “Happy Gilmore” became a defining comedy of its era, featuring Sandler as an aggressive, big-hearted outsider who defied golfing traditions to save his grandmother’s home. Now, 29 years later, “Happy Gilmore 2” revisits the now-aging golfer, catching up with him in a new phase of life. As revealed in the newly released trailer, Happy’s return to the golf course is sparked by a deeply personal motive: raising money for his daughter’s ballet lessons.
The sequel drops at 3 a.m. ET / midnight PT on Netflix, and comes packed with a blend of returning cast members, high-profile cameos, and professional athletes, signaling both a tribute to the original and an evolution of the Happy Gilmore universe.
Credit: “Happy Gilmore 2” Netflix
Returning Favorites and New Faces
Adam Sandler reprises his role as Happy Gilmore, with Julie Bowen returning as Virginia Venit and Christopher McDonald once again stepping into the shoes of Happy’s longtime rival, Shooter McGavin. The film also reunites Sandler with original Happy Gilmore stars Ben Stiller and Blake Clark, while introducing a lineup of fresh talent and surprising cameos.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, joins the cast, along with Sandler’s daughters Sadie and Sunny Sandler. Other notable appearances include Jackie Sandler, Eric André, Margaret Qualley, Martin Herlihy, Tim Herlihy, Nelly Korda, Nancy Lopez, Kevin Nealon, Benny Safdie, and comedians John Farley, Kym Whitley, and Lavell Crawford.
You are not ready for Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio in Happy Gilmore 2.
Premiering TOMORROW. pic.twitter.com/bF9io01AnF
— Netflix (@netflix) July 24, 2025
Pop culture icons and athletes also pepper the film: rapper Eminem, Post Malone, Cam’ron, trivia legend Ken Jennings, and NFL star Travis Kelce all make appearances. Among professional golfers, the film features cameos from Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Paige Spiranac, Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Will Zalatoris, and John Daly — all ensuring the golf sequences strike the right chord with fans of the sport.
Notably, Happy now has four sons — hockey goons in their own right — played by “Shameless” star Ethan Cutkosky, Conor Sherry, pro wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman, and newcomer Philip Fine Schneider.
Credit: Netflix
Creative Team Reunites
Behind the scenes, “Happy Gilmore 2” stays firmly rooted in its original creative DNA. Tim Herlihy, who co-wrote the 1996 classic, returns to write the sequel alongside Adam Sandler. Directing duties shift to “Murder Mystery” filmmaker Kyle Newacheck, while original “Happy Gilmore” director Dennis Dugan steps in as executive producer. Longtime Sandler collaborators Jack Giarraputo and Robert Simonds also return as producers, reinforcing the creative team’s continued investment in the legacy of the franchise.
From Cult Classic to Franchise Legacy
“Happy Gilmore” has long endured as a comedy classic, with characters and Easter eggs from the film appearing in other Sandler projects like “Little Nicky”, “Jack and Jill”, and “Hubie Halloween”. Its legacy extends beyond cinema — even PGA professionals have cited the film as an inspiration.
Speaking on New Heights, Travis Kelce’s podcast, Sandler hinted at the tone of the upcoming sequel. “The movie itself picks up from an older guy who played golf a long time. Some stuff goes on in his life, and he’s different — he’s a bit of a mess. And then we try to get his life cooking again,” Sandler shared. In a separate interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Sandler acknowledged the weight of revisiting such an iconic role: “You don’t want to let anyone down. You want to make something that feels worthy of what it meant to people.”
Credit: Netflix
When and Where to Watch
“Happy Gilmore 2” will premiere globally on Netflix starting Friday, July 25, available for streaming at 3 a.m. ET / midnight PT. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the franchise, the film promises a mix of nostalgia, comedy, and surprise that made the original so memorable.
As “Happy Gilmore” prepares to tee off once again, audiences are invited to return to their happy place — this time, with an even bigger crowd cheering him on.
Ready to return to your happy place? Stream “Happy Gilmore 2” exclusively on Netflix starting July 25, and watch Sandler and the gang tee off in hilarious, heartfelt, and star-studded fashion.
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