Earlier this year it was announced that a sequel to Happy Gilmore was officially greenlit by Netflix, and now the streaming giant has confirmed that production has started on the long-awaited Adam Sandler follow-up. Released in 1996, the comedy gem has long been considered one of Sandler’s funniest movies, if for nothing more than his battle with the late Bob Barker, and the appearance of Christopher McDonald as his arch nemesis, Shooter McGavin. Produced on a small budget of $12 million, the film grossed $41.2 million by the time it was all said and done, and has since gone on to become a cult favorite.
Via their X account, Netflix confirmed the news today with a post showing a Boston Bruins jersey with the name tag of Happy Gilmore on it. It’s a tip of the hat to the original, as Sandler’s character is regularly seen wearing the hockey jersey on the golf course. Check out the post from Netflix below.
What We Know (And Don’t Know) About Happy Gilmore 2
Plot details remain under wraps for Happy Gilmore 2 at the moment, but there has been speculation that the film could follow Sandler entering a senior golf tournament given the fact that he is now 58, and it would make the most sense for the character. Filming is underway in New Jersey on the production, which sees Kyle Newcheck of What We Do in the Shadows fame take the helm as director, with Sandler and Tim Herlihy penning the script.
In terms of casting, the only known member confirmed to return right now is Sandler. McDonald has shown great enthusiasm about reprising his role as Sandler’s nemesis, but his casting has yet to be officially announced. Other returning members could include Julie Bowen, Kevin Nealon, and Allen Covert, who played Happy’s caddy. Unfortunately, we won’t see the return of Carl Weathers, Bob Barker, or Richard Kiel, as they have since passed on to the great golf course in the sky.
Cameos we do know that will happen include NFL star Travis Kelce, Sandler’s Uncut Gems co-director Benny Safdie, and Ben Stiller. Others could include the likes of Rob Schnieder, Chris Rock, Steve Buscemi, and Kevin James. All are long-time collaborators of Sandler’s, and have often made cameos in his films over the years. Heck, we could even see a cameo from Drew Barrymore, who could appear as herself to interview Happy on her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show.
As we await more details on Happy Gilmore 2, one thing is for sure: with the recent success of other legacy sequels hitting Netflix like Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, this one’s going to draw big numbers for the streaming platform, as the majority of Sandler fans have been waiting nearly 30 years to see Happy back in action. Whether or not the film hits a hole in one remains to be seen, but regardless, the nostalgia factor is sure to provide us with a nice hit of dopamine.
