Happy Gilmore 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the 1996 classic sports comedy. After nearly 30 years, Adam Sandler returns as the hot-headed hockey player-turned-golfer, Happy Gilmore, for a nostalgic but updated adventure full of familiar faces and new surprises.
Happy Gilmore 2: Release Date and Time
- United States (Netflix release):
July 25, 2025, at 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) / Midnight Pacific Time (PT) / 2:00 a.m. Central Time (CT). - Where to Watch: Exclusive to Netflix globally.
Happy Gilmore 2:Plot
After retiring from golf for years, Happy Gilmore is drawn back to the game to help fund his daughter Vienna’s dream of attending an elite ballet academy. Facing both personal and professional challenges, he reunites with old friends and rivals while also confronting a new threat to traditional golf in the form of a high-energy corporate sponsor.
Happy Gilmore 2 Main Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Adam Sandler | Happy Gilmore |
| Julie Bowen | Virginia Venit Gilmore (Happy’s wife) |
| Christopher McDonald | Shooter McGavin |
| Ben Stiller | Haloysius Lieberman (Hal L.) |
| Benny Safdie | Frank Manatee |
| Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (Bad Bunny) | Oscar Mejías (Happy’s caddy) |
| Dennis Dugan | Doug Thompson (tour commissioner) |
| Jackie Sandler | Monica (Vienna’s dance teacher) |
| Sadie Sandler | Charlotte |
| Sunny Sandler | Vienna Gilmore (Happy’s daughter) |
| Maxwell Jacob Friedman | Gordie Gilmore (Happy’s son) |
| Haley Joel Osment | Billy Jenkins |
| Lavell Crawford | Slim Peterson |
| Conor Sherry | Terry Gilmore |
| Steve Buscemi | Bad Neighbor Pat |
| John Daly | Himself |
| Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Paige Spiranac | Cameos as golfers |
Many original cast members, such as Dennis Dugan and Julie Bowen, reprise their roles, and the sequel is packed with star athlete and celebrity cameos.
Featured Cameos
In addition to the main cast, fans can spot notable cameos from:
- Professional golfers: Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka
- Entertainers: Bad Bunny, Steve Buscemi, Eminem, Kid Cudi, Eric Andre
- Adam Sandler’s family: Sunny Sandler, Sadie Sandler, Jackie Sandler (his wife and daughters)
Behind the Scenes
- Director: Dennis Dugan returns, honoring the tone and style of the 1996 classic.
- Screenplay: Adam Sandler co-wrote the sequel, ensuring continuity and authentic callbacks to the original.
- Tributes: The script underwent changes after the passing of Carl Weathers, who portrayed Chubbs Peterson in the original.
Happy Gilmore 2 Reviews & Reception
- Critical Response: “Happy Gilmore 2” has received a mix of reactions. Many reviewers praise the film’s nostalgic callbacks and celebrity cameos, noting it’s a heartfelt tribute to the original. However, some criticize it for leaning too heavily on nostalgia and lacking the fresh comedic spark of the first movie.
- Positive Highlights:
- Negative Feedback:
- Audience Response:
Fans on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and social media expressed excitement about the film’s release. Some audiences found it a hilarious ride and worthy successor, while others felt it lacked the originality and humor of the 1996 classic.
Happy Gilmore (1996): Original Cast Refresh
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Adam Sandler | Happy Gilmore |
| Christopher McDonald | Shooter McGavin |
| Julie Bowen | Virginia Venit |
| Carl Weathers | Chubbs Peterson |
| Frances Bay | Grandma Gilmore |
| Ben Stiller | Hal L. (cameo) |
| Bob Barker | Himself (cameo) |
| Allen Covert | Otto |
Adam Sandler & Family
- Adam Sandler not only reprises the lead but co-wrote the sequel.
- Sunny Sandler (daughter): Plays Happy’s daughter, Vienna.
- Sadie Sandler (daughter) and Jackie Sandler (wife): Both have roles in the film.
Where and When to Watch
- Watch on: Netflix (subscription required)
- Available from: July 25, 2025, at 3:00 a.m. ET/Midnight PT.
Rotten Tomatoes
- Rotten Tomatoes Score:
The sequel has a mixed to lukewarm score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising the nostalgia and cameos, but others criticizing it for lack of originality and overindulgence in references.
Fun Facts
- The sequel features tributes and cameos from sports and entertainment stars, and references to memorable moments from the 1996 film.
- The script underwent changes after the passing of Carl Weathers, who played Chubbs Peterson.
- Much of the cast from the original returns, making it a full-circle moment for fans.
Summary
Happy Gilmore 2 is a streaming-exclusive comedy on Netflix that reunites Adam Sandler and much of the original cast for a new golf adventure filled with nostalgia, celebrity cameos, and family moments. While reviews are mixed, fans of Sandler and the classic film will find plenty to enjoy in this long-awaited sequel
