Happy Gilmore 2: Tee Off Time, Cast, and What to Expect
Release Date and Time
The long-awaited sequel to the 1996 sports comedy Happy Gilmore is finally here! Happy Gilmore 2 premieres exclusively on Netflix on July 25, 2025, at 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT. Fans eager to see Adam Sandler swing his hockey-stick-inspired golf shots can dive in as soon as the clock hits midnight on the West Coast. Unlike some major releases, there are no plans for a theatrical run, so Netflix is the place to be for this nostalgic comeback.
Plot Overview
Set nearly 30 years after Happy Gilmore’s legendary Tour Championship win, the sequel follows a retired Happy returning to the golf course. This time, he’s motivated by a new goal: raising funds to cover his daughter Vienna’s $300,000 ballet school tuition. The story blends heart and humor, with Happy facing younger, modern golfers and rekindling his rivalry with Shooter McGavin. Expect classic Sandler chaos, heartfelt family moments, and a nod to the original’s irreverent charm, though specific plot details remain closely guarded.
Cast and Cameos
Happy Gilmore 2 brings back familiar faces and introduces a star-studded lineup of new characters and cameos:
- Returning Cast:
- Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore, the hot-tempered golfer with a hockey flair.
- Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit, now Happy’s wife and a polished PR pro.
- Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s smug rival.
- Ben Stiller as Hal L., transitioning from a nursing home orderly to a support group leader.
- Dennis Dugan, the original director, in a supporting role.
- New Cast:
- Sunny Sandler as Vienna Gilmore, Happy’s daughter.
- Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) as Happy’s caddy, seen breaking a golf club in the trailer.
- Lavell Crawford as Slim Peterson, the son of Happy’s late mentor Chubbs.
- Margaret Qualley in a small, undisclosed role.
- Sadie Sandler, Ethan Cutkosky, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, and Conor Sherry as Happy’s children.
- Cameos:
Production and Development
The journey to Happy Gilmore 2 began with Adam Sandler teasing a sequel in September 2022, envisioning Happy on a senior golf tour. By March 2024, Christopher McDonald revealed Sandler had shown him a draft script, and Netflix officially greenlit the project in May 2024. Directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, the film is produced by Happy Madison Productions. Filming took place in New Jersey, with open auditions for extras in Morristown, adding a local flavor to the production.
Promotional Buzz
Netflix and Topgolf Callaway Brands have leaned into the hype, releasing golf balls featuring Happy Gilmore quotes and imagery, alongside an updated version of Happy’s iconic hockey stick putter. Topgolf locations will host screening events, and a giant golf ball replaced the New Year’s ball in Times Square for a promotional stunt. The film premiered at Lincoln Center in New York City on July 21, 2025, with stars like Sandler, Bad Bunny, and Scottie Scheffler walking the green carpet.
Trailers and Hype
Three trailers have fueled anticipation:
- Christmas 2024 Teaser: Showcased Happy’s return, with Bad Bunny as his caddy and a graveyard face-off with Shooter McGavin.
- March 2025 Trailer: Highlighted Happy’s struggle to reclaim his golfing prowess and his family dynamic with Virginia and Vienna.
- May 2025 TUDUM Trailer: Packed with Easter eggs for fans, including Happy’s Subway sponsorship and Boston Bruins jersey.
Reception and Expectations
While the original Happy Gilmore wasn’t a critical darling, it earned a cult following for its quotable lines and zany energy. Early buzz for the sequel is mixed—some praise its nostalgic appeal and star power, while others, like an IMDb review, criticize it as a “cash grab” with forced callbacks and a rehashed story. The presence of high-profile cameos and Sandler’s heartfelt approach suggest it’ll resonate with fans, even if it doesn’t reinvent the original.
How to Watch
Happy Gilmore 2 streams exclusively on Netflix, requiring a subscription (Standard with Ads at $7.99/month, Standard at $15.49/month, or Premium at $24.99/month). No theatrical release is planned, so fire up Netflix at 3:00 AM ET on July 25 to join Happy’s return to the green. For those needing a refresher, the original Happy Gilmore is available on Hulu, Peacock, or for rent on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
Why It Matters
Happy Gilmore 2 taps into the nostalgia of Sandler’s ‘90s comedy era while updating the story for a new generation. With a mix of returning cast, fresh faces, and a parade of cameos, it’s poised to be a summer hit for Netflix subscribers and golf fans alike. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the golf, or Travis Kelce’s acting debut, this sequel promises to deliver Happy’s signature chaos with a side of heart.
So, grab your hockey stick putter, channel your inner Happy, and get ready to stream Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix this July 25. It’s time to go to your happy place!
Post Comment