Almost three decades after the original film transformed a hot-headed hockey player into a golf legend, Adam Sandler is back on the green in Happy Gilmore 2, the long-awaited sequel now premiering on Netflix. The first teaser trailer, set to the nostalgic rhythm of “Pilot” by Magic, dropped with a bang, bringing fans a glimpse into a new chapter of Happy’s unconventional golf journey.
Reviving one of Sandler’s most iconic characters, the trailer promises a wild return to the world of professional golf, but this time, Happy isn’t the rookie outsider. He’s a revered veteran, mentioned in the same breath as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. From battling young champs to confronting new comedic chaos, the film aims to combine slapstick charm with sports underdog grit—a formula that turned the original into a cult classic.
Familiar Faces and Fresh Surprises
Julie Bowen, who played Happy’s love interest Virginia in the 1996 original, reprises her role with a new edge and storyline that hints at an emotional reconnection. Also returning is Christopher McDonald as the infamously pompous Shooter McGavin, along with director Dennis Dugan, who steps back in front of the camera in a nod to fans.
But this sequel doesn’t just rely on nostalgia. The cast includes Bad Bunny, in what appears to be a comedic cameo turned subplot, and Ben Stiller, whose chaotic nurse persona from Happy Madison‘s “Little Nicky” universe surprisingly makes an appearance. The injection of newer faces like Margaret Qualley, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, and Kid Cudi adds generational appeal, hinting at a rivalry dynamic that could pit Gen Z swagger against Sandler’s classic gruffness.
Behind the scenes, Kyle Newacheck takes the director’s chair, known for his work on “Workaholics” and “Murder Mystery 2”, bringing a blend of absurdist humor and visual slickness. The screenplay, penned by Tim Herlihy and Sandler himself, suggests a return to the duo’s golden comedic rhythm. As reported by The Wrap, Sandler and Herlihy are leaning heavily on character evolution, balancing zany set-pieces with a hint of late-career introspection.
Golf, Legacy and Laughs
The teaser doesn’t shy away from giving us a taste of the thematic core: legacy. Happy, now a grizzled legend with aching knees and sharp wit, is forced back into competition by a new generation of golfers who mock his unconventional methods. The return to the PGA tour is framed less as a competition and more as a reckoning, both with himself and the evolution of a sport he once shook up.
Vanity Fair notes that Happy Gilmore 2 leans into its sports-movie roots more than expected, weaving training montages and press conference banter with moments of genuine reflection. We see glimpses of Blake Clark returning as Happy’s old caddie, while Nick Swardson and Kym Whitley round out the comedy ensemble with side quests and subplots that promise absurdity and heart.
Interestingly, Benny Safdie joins the cast in a rare comedic turn, possibly portraying a deranged golf coach. His casting reflects the broader trend of serious actors embracing the Happy Madison comedy universe—a space where anything goes, but somehow, it works.
Streaming, Stardom and the Sandler Renaissance
Premiering on July 25, Happy Gilmore 2 lands amid what many are calling the Sandler Renaissance. With dramatic turns in films like “Uncut Gems” and “Hustle”, Sandler has proven his range. Now, he’s tapping back into the chaotic humor that defined his early career while subtly threading the wisdom of experience.
Collider praises the trailer’s balance of callback humor and updated satire, especially in scenes that parody influencer culture and corporate sports branding. If the first film skewered country club elitism, the sequel sets its sights on viral fame and streaming-era spectacle.
With Happy Madison Productions at the helm and a summer release date locked in, Netflix is clearly banking on a Sandler-powered hit. Whether it strikes the same chord as its predecessor remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Happy Gilmore is back, and he’s ready to swing for the fences.
Will audiences cheer for his comeback or ask for one mulligan too many?
