Introduction: Back on the Fairway with Happy Gilmore

It’s time to dust off the hockey-stick putter and lace up those skates—Happy Gilmore is back! Nearly 30 years after Adam Sandler’s iconic 1996 comedy took the golf world by storm, Happy Gilmore 2 has landed on Netflix, ready to deliver another round of slapstick chaos and heartfelt moments. The original, with its unforgettable brawl between Happy and Bob Barker, became a cultural staple, quoted by fans for decades. Now, in 2025, this sequel brings back the foul-mouthed, big-hearted golfer for a new adventure that’s teeing up to be a summer sensation. From a star-studded cast to jaw-dropping cameos and a story that blends humor with family ties, here’s everything you need to know about Happy Gilmore 2 in this exclusive update for ClickUSAnews.com.

The Road to Happy Gilmore 2: A Long-Awaited Comeback

For years, fans begged for a sequel to Happy Gilmore, but Adam Sandler hesitated, fearing it wouldn’t live up to the original’s magic, which raked in over $40 million and became a comedy classic. “I didn’t want to let anybody down,” Sandler said in a 2024 interview. But a killer script co-written with Tim Herlihy changed his mind, and Happy Gilmore 2 went from dream to reality. The first spark came in March 2024 when Christopher McDonald, the smug Shooter McGavin, spilled the beans on a radio show, revealing Sandler had shared a draft script. By May 2024, Netflix confirmed the project, with Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions at the helm. Filming wrapped in New Jersey and Seoul, South Korea, by late 2024, culminating in a glitzy premiere at New York’s Lincoln Center on July 21, 2025, complete with a giant golf ball lighting up Times Square.

Plot: Happy’s Back with a Cause

Happy Gilmore 2 picks up 29 years after Happy’s wild Tour Championship win, which saved his grandma’s house. Now retired, Happy’s life is a bit of a “trainwreck,” as he puts it in the trailer. The story centers on his return to golf, driven by a heartfelt mission: raising $300,000 to fund his daughter Vienna’s elite ballet school tuition. “I haven’t touched a club in years, and these young guns got me shook,” Happy admits, but his signature hockey-stick swing and fiery attitude are as sharp as ever. The plot pits him against new rivals and his old nemesis, Shooter McGavin, in a rivalry that climaxes in a spooky graveyard showdown.

Family is at the heart of the story. Happy is married to Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen), and they’re raising four kids: daughter Vienna (Sunny Sandler) and sons Wayne (Ethan Cutkosky), Gordie (Maxwell Jacob Friedman), Bobby (Philip Fine Schneider), and Terry (Conor Sherry). The film pays tribute to the original’s late stars—Carl Weathers (Chubbs), Bob Barker, Frances Bay (Grandma), Richard Kiel (Mr. Larson), and Joe Flaherty (Donald)—with a heartfelt dedication. Lavell Crawford steps in as Slim Peterson, Chubbs’ son, rocking a prosthetic hand like his dad. It’s a story about legacy, love, and proving you’ve still got it.

All-Star Cast: Familiar Faces and Fresh Talent

Happy Gilmore 2 is a casting home run, blending original stars with new faces and a parade of cameos. Adam Sandler returns as Happy, delivering his trademark mix of rage and charm. Returning cast includes:

• Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit, Happy’s supportive wife and PR pro.
• Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, still plotting to one-up Happy.
• Ben Stiller as Hal L., now running a quirky support group.
• Dennis Dugan as golf commissioner Doug Thompson.
• Blake Clark as Farmer Fran, channeling his Waterboy energy.

Newcomers add spice:

• Bad Bunny as Happy’s wild caddy, snapping clubs and stealing scenes.
• Sunny Sandler as Vienna, Happy’s ballet-loving daughter.
• Sadie Sandler, Eric André, Margaret Qualley, Benny Safdie, Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi), Haley Joel Osment, and Nick Swardson in supporting roles, with Qualley landing her part after her husband Jack Antonoff fibbed about her golf skills.

The cameo lineup is a showstopper:

• Golf pros: Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Will Zalatoris, Nelly Korda, Nancy Lopez, Lee Trevino, and Jack Nicklaus.
• Celebrities: Travis Kelce, Eminem, Post Malone, Ken Jennings, Cam’ron, Marcello Hernandez, Oliver Hudson, Reggie Bush, Becky Lynch, Nikki Garcia, and Verne Lundquist.

Sandler raved about Kelce’s “shockingly great” performance and Eminem’s “hilarious” cameo, noting they filmed “a ton” with the rapper. The late Carl Weathers was set for a major role before his 2024 passing, forcing a tough script rewrite.

Production: A Swing with Style

Directed by Kyle Newacheck (Murder Mystery), Happy Gilmore 2 is co-written by Sandler and Herlihy, with Happy Madison Productions leading. Producers include Sandler, Jack Giarraputo, Tim Herlihy, and Robert Simonds, with Dennis Dugan, David Bausch, Barry Bernardi, Kevin Grady, and Judit Maull as executive producers. Netflix’s backing aligns with Sandler’s string of hits for the platform, like Hustle and Leo. Filming spanned New Jersey, with open auditions in Morristown, and Seoul, adding a global vibe. Topgolf Callaway Brands partnered for promotions, offering Happy-themed golf balls and an updated hockey-stick putter. Topgolf venues will host screening events to keep the buzz alive.

Trailers and Hype: Driving the Excitement

Netflix has kept fans hooked with a series of trailers:

• December 2024 Teaser: A quick glimpse of Happy’s running drive, Virginia’s pep talk, and a creepy cemetery clash with Shooter.
• March 2025 Trailer: Happy grumbles about his “ugly” bust next to golf icons like Tiger Woods, then hits the course with a new “happy place.”
• May 2025 Tudum Trailer: Loaded with nods to the original, like Happy’s Subway sponsorship, Boston Bruins jersey, and hockey-stick swing, plus a cameo bonanza.

The marketing hit a high note with a massive golf ball in Times Square and a star-packed premiere on July 21, 2025, featuring Sandler, Bad Bunny, and Scottie Scheffler. X posts are ablaze with fans hyping Eminem’s “savage” cameo and Kelce’s red-carpet swagger.

Release Date and Streaming Details

Happy Gilmore 2 dropped on Netflix on July 25, 2025, at 3 AM EDT (5 PM AEST in Australia). It’s a streaming-exclusive release, skipping theaters, though some fans hoped for a big-screen run. The original Happy Gilmore is available on Hulu, Peacock, Apple TV+, and Prime Video for a nostalgic warm-up.

Why Happy Gilmore 2 Is a Big Deal

This sequel nails the balance of nostalgia and fresh laughs, delivering Sandler’s signature humor with a modern edge. “It’s got heart, family, and a lot of love,” Christopher McDonald told PEOPLE, summing up its appeal. The golf pro cameos bridge sports and comedy, while tributes to departed stars add emotional weight. Subtle product placements, like Subway and Dick’s Sporting Goods, echo the original’s playful ads without feeling forced. For fans, it’s a chance to relive lines like “Go to your happy place!” while discovering new quotable moments.

Conclusion: Happy’s Ready to Rock the Green

Happy Gilmore 2 is a love letter to fans who’ve been chanting “You’re gonna die, clown!” since 1996. With Adam Sandler back in action, a killer cast, and enough cameos to fill a golf course, this sequel is primed to be a Netflix smash. Whether it’s Happy’s epic swing or Shooter’s scheming comeback, the film promises laughs, heart, and a nod to the underdog spirit that made the original a classic. Grab your popcorn and stream it on July 25, 2025—Happy’s ready to take you to the fairway!