The highly anticipated sequel, “Happy Gilmore 2,” has officially arrived, streaming now on Netflix. Nearly three decades after the original cult classic, Adam Sandler reprises his role as the iconic golf-hockey hybrid, bringing a wave of nostalgia alongside fresh, laugh-out-loud moments. This new film masterfully blends callbacks to the beloved 1996 hit with timely comedic jabs at modern sports culture and features an astonishing lineup of celebrity cameos. Dive into the world of “Happy Gilmore 2” as we highlight its funniest sports moments and the star-studded appearances that make this comeback a must-watch.
The Return of Happy Gilmore: A New Battle for Golf’s Soul
“Happy Gilmore 2” picks up with its titular character, Happy, in a challenging place. He is a down-on-his-luck father of five, grappling with alcoholism and working at a grocery store. Happy abandoned golf years ago after a tragic accident: he accidentally killed his wife, Virginia Venit, with a wayward drive. His infamous nemesis, Shooter McGavin, remains confined to an insane asylum, providing a grim backdrop for Happy’s struggles.
The film’s central premise revolves around the imperiled future of “regular golf.” A new, renegade league called “Maxi Golf” threatens the existence of the traditional “The Tour,” promising a more unconventional and “fun” approach to the sport. Happy must return to the game he left behind not only to save golf itself but also to redeem his own life. His mission involves finding enough money to send his daughter to ballet school in Paris and reclaiming his grandmother’s house, which he lost after Virginia’s death. The narrative unfolds across various golf settings, from sprawling courses to high-tech simulators and even classic batting cages, creating a dynamic canvas for athletic and comedic chaos.
Behind the Scenes: A Sequel Years in the Making
Bringing “Happy Gilmore 2” to the screen was no small feat. Adam Sandler reportedly avoided sequels for years, initially reluctant to revisit the iconic character. However, Christopher McDonald, who brilliantly portrays Shooter McGavin, relentlessly campaigned for a sequel for almost three decades, even maintaining his character’s persona on social media. McDonald’s persistence, combined with Sandler’s involvement in other sequels like “Grown Ups 2,” finally paved the way. Rumors solidified in March 2024 when Sandler personally showed McDonald the script’s first page backstage. Netflix officially confirmed the project in May 2024, thrilling fans worldwide.
Director Kyle Newacheck, a longtime fan of the original, confessed to being “very nervous” about taking on such a beloved film. He meticulously focused on ensuring the golf scenes felt authentic, consulting with avid golfers and a PGA of America member for technical guidance. Newacheck even studied how professional golf is broadcast on television, emulating camera techniques like zooms and framing to make the film’s golf sequences feel like a live PGA event. This dedication to realism, combined with thousands of cheering extras, made filming feel like a genuine sports broadcast.
A Fairway Full of Familiar Faces and New Stars
“Happy Gilmore 2” truly shines with its incredible cast, blending beloved returning actors with an impressive roster of new celebrity cameos. Adam Sandler leads the charge, joined by Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin and Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit. Sandler’s real-life wife and two daughters also make appearances, adding a personal touch. The film thoughtfully includes onscreen tributes to original cast members who have passed away, such as Carl Weathers and Bob Barker, honoring their contributions.
The list of new celebrity appearances is extensive, spanning golf legends, athletes, and musicians. Golf stars like Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Keegan Bradley, Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth, Lee Trevino, Fred Couples, Corey Pavin, and Jack Nicklaus all grace the screen. Beyond golf, the film features rapper Bad Bunny, NFL star Travis Kelce, rappers Eminem, Kid Cudi, Cam’ron, Post Malone, celebrity chef Guy Fieri, influencer Alix Earle, and WNBA star Kelsey Plum. This diverse mix ensures a broad appeal, cementing “Happy Gilmore 2” as a cultural event beyond just the golf world.
Scottie Scheffler’s Timely Tee-Off Troubles
One of the most talked-about cameos comes from current world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler. His appearances provide remarkably timely comic relief, directly referencing his real-life arrest at the 2024 PGA Championship. In a standout moment, Happy Gilmore teaches Scheffler how to win a hockey fight. Later in the film, Scheffler deploys these newly acquired skills during a heated showdown between “The Tour” and “Maxi Golf.” This leads to his disqualification and a humorous arrest, prompting his now-iconic line: “Oh, no. Not again.” Scheffler is even shown in prison in a hidden scene after the credits, underscoring the running gag. He also comically blows off an interview with the goofy Gary Potter, played again by Kevin Nealon.
Scheffler’s willingness to poke fun at his own public incident is a testament to the film’s playful spirit. It also mirrors discussions about his real-life approach to success. Just before the “Happy Gilmore 2” premiere, Scheffler openly reflected on his career, noting that while winning major golf tournaments is significant, the “euphoric feeling” is brief and does not inherently lead to a “fulfilling life.” His candid reflections on the transient nature of triumph, even after a dominant victory like The British Open (which he brought to the premiere in New York City), add a surprising layer of depth to his comedic portrayal in the film.
Will Zalatoris: The Resentful Caddie’s Comeback
The sequel masterfully capitalizes on PGA Tour golfer Will Zalatoris’s striking resemblance to the actor who played Happy’s caddie in the original film. For “Happy Gilmore 2,” Zalatoris portrays himself but is also revealed as Happy’s former caddie, now a successful pro golfer on “The Tour.” Unbeknownst to Happy, Zalatoris harbors a deep grudge over Happy’s past mistreatment.
Their reunion in the same group at The Tour Championship serves as a hilarious catalyst for Happy’s chaotic return to tournament golf. True to form, Happy accidentally hits Zalatoris with a snake, covers him in sand from a bunker, and even tackles him into a pond—just like the old days. Happy genuinely believes Zalatoris enjoys these antics. In a brilliant callback, Zalatoris is later seen choking his own caddie, mirroring Happy’s past actions, with Happy offering his full approval.
Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce’s Unexpected Partnership
Happy Gilmore’s new caddie is Oscar, a waiter portrayed by Puerto Rican actor and rapper Bad Bunny. Oscar gets unfairly fired by his boss, a character played by NFL star Travis Kelce, during the Tour Champions dinner attended by Happy. When Happy fails to persuade Kelce’s character to be less harsh, Oscar appears at the first tee as Happy’s caddie, still dressed in his waiter’s uniform and clearly clueless about golf.
One of the film’s most surreal and comedic sequences unfolds when Happy asks Oscar to go to his “happy place” on the green. This prompts a wild dream sequence where Bad Bunny’s character envisions lathing honey onto Kelce’s character, who is tied to a tree. A bear then approaches, poised to eat Kelce, before the camera abruptly cuts back to the golf course. This unexpected pairing and bizarre dream sequence deliver some of the film’s biggest laughs.
‘Uncle John Daly’: Golf’s Wild Card and Confidant
The legendary John Daly also makes a memorable appearance as “Uncle John Daly,” as Happy’s daughter Vienna (played by Adam Sandler’s real-life daughter Sunny Sandler) affectionately calls him. Daly lives next door to Happy in the rougher neighborhood Happy moves to after losing his money. He is treated as a quasi-family member in the film, providing both comic relief and genuine advice.
As part of a running gag where Happy hides booze in various household items, Daly is frequently seen squirting alcohol into his mouth from a hand sanitizer bottle. Despite this ongoing joke, which playfully references his real-life struggles with alcoholism (though he is now recovering), Daly also serves as a grounding force. He acts as a sounding board and confidant for Happy as he contemplates returning to golf, offering his iconic wisdom: “Grip it and rip it.”
Boban Marjanovic’s Streaking Diversion
Fans of the original will remember Mr. Larson, the large construction foreman with a nail in his head who became Happy’s biggest fan. While Mr. Larson doesn’t return, his son, Drago Larson, played by 7-foot-4 former NBA center Boban Marjanovic, makes a standout appearance.
Much like his father, Drago Larson comes to Happy’s aid from the gallery on the golf course. When Happy, struggling with his past demons, falls off the wagon on Mother’s Day, he is on the verge of arrest. In a moment of sheer comedic genius, Boban’s character takes off his clothes and goes streaking down the fairway, diverting the police and allowing Happy to escape capture. This unexpected and hilarious scene provides a direct link to the original film’s quirky supporting characters.
The Batting Cage Reimagined
A significant and beloved callback to the original film features Happy taking some of golf’s biggest stars—Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Scottie Scheffler—to the batting cages. Happy explains that this is how he used to prepare for big tournaments, triggering a nostalgic flashback to the memorable scene of him taking baseballs to the chest in the first movie.
However, the modern golf pros don’t fare as well as Happy. DeChambeau comically gets hit below the waist, and one by one, the rest of the world’s best golfers are taken out by errant pitches, showcasing their lack of “hockey toughness” compared to Happy. This scene cleverly plays on the original’s humor while injecting new comedic twists, proving that even the most skilled golfers are no match for Happy’s unconventional training methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What real-life events inspired the humor in “Happy Gilmore 2”?
“Happy Gilmore 2” draws heavily on contemporary golf news for its comedy. The most prominent example is Scottie Scheffler’s repeated on-screen arrests, a direct comedic nod to his real-life 2024 PGA Championship arrest. The film also leverages PGA Tour golfer Will Zalatoris’s striking resemblance to Happy’s original caddie, turning it into a running gag about their past relationship. Additionally, John Daly’s cameo and his use of a hand sanitizer bottle for alcohol play on his public persona and real-life journey with sobriety, adding layers to the humor.
Where can I stream “Happy Gilmore 2” and learn more about its production?
“Happy Gilmore 2” is exclusively available to stream on Netflix. Fans looking for more behind-the-scenes insights might also enjoy documentaries like Netflix’s “Full Swing” Season 3, which sometimes features top golfers interacting on the “Happy Gilmore 2” set. The film’s director, Kyle Newacheck, put significant effort into authentic golf scenes, consulting with PGA professionals and even studying live golf broadcasts to capture the sport’s essence accurately within the movie.
Is “Happy Gilmore 2” recommended for fans of the original and golf enthusiasts?
Absolutely! “Happy Gilmore 2” strikes a successful balance between nostalgic callbacks and fresh, relevant humor. Fans of the original will appreciate the return of Adam Sandler and other beloved cast members, along with homages to iconic scenes. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous celebrity cameos from real-life pros and athletes, the accurate portrayal of golf settings, and the clever integration of modern golf themes and events. The film’s ability to blend its classic comedic spirit with contemporary relevance makes it a highly entertaining watch for a broad audience.
The Enduring Legacy Continues
“Happy Gilmore 2” is more than just a sequel; it’s a testament to the enduring cultural impact of the original film. Adam Sandler and the creative team have successfully crafted a movie that honors its roots while evolving with the times. By weaving in real-life events, featuring a dazzling array of celebrity cameos, and maintaining its signature brand of outlandish humor, “Happy Gilmore 2” solidifies its place as a comedic powerhouse. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Happy’s antics or a newcomer to his chaotic world, this Netflix sequel promises a fun, memorable trip down the fairway, proving that some legends never truly retire.
