The highly anticipated sequel, “Happy Gilmore 2,” has officially landed on Netflix, instantly captivating audiences and sending the internet into a frenzy. Nearly three decades after the original cult classic, Adam Sandler reprises his iconic role as the hot-headed golfer, now facing new challenges and a fresh set of adversaries. This star-studded return isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it’s a massive reunion featuring a jaw-dropping array of celebrity cameos from the worlds of film, music, sports, and beyond. From legendary athletes to chart-topping musicians and beloved comedic actors, the film is packed with surprise appearances that make every scene a treat for fans.
“Happy Gilmore 2” premiered on July 25, marking its immediate impact by trending globally. Its release even propelled the original “Happy Gilmore” back into Netflix’s Top 10, a testament to the enduring appeal of Adam Sandler’s unique brand of sports comedy. Viewers are flocking to see which familiar faces Happy encounters on his latest journey back to the green.
The Return of a Legend: Happy’s New Quest
Happy Gilmore’s life has taken a significant turn in the sequel. Following the tragic loss of his wife, Virginia (Julie Bowen), Happy has spiraled. His beloved grandmother’s house is lost for a second time, leaving him struggling to provide for his five children. His path back to golf is personal: he aims to fund his daughter Vienna’s (played by Sandler’s own daughter, Sunny Sandler) prestigious ballet education in Paris. This mission sets him on a collision course with Frank Manatee (Benny Safdie), the manipulative mastermind behind Maxi Golf, a new stunt-based rival league.
The film sees the welcome return of Happy’s arch-nemesis, Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), whose animosity remains as potent as ever. Ben Stiller also reprises his role as the mustachioed, abusive orderly Hal L., now haunting Happy in a different, equally tormenting capacity. Director Kyle Newacheck and the original creative team, including co-writer Tim Herlihy and executive producer Dennis Dugan, ensured the sequel captures the spirit and humor that made the first film a timeless comedy.
New Faces, Familiar Laughs: Actors and Comedians Galore
Adam Sandler’s films are renowned for their ensemble casts, and “Happy Gilmore 2” is no exception. The sequel leverages Sandler’s extensive network, bringing in a diverse mix of collaborators and fresh talent.
Benny Safdie, known for directing Sandler in “Uncut Gems,” takes on a villainous role as Frank Manatee. His casting is a clever nod to their critically acclaimed dramatic partnership. Longtime Sandler collaborator Steve Buscemi also makes a welcome return as an eccentric, dancing neighbor, providing classic random humor. Rob Schneider briefly appears as his “tricycle cowboy” character, yelling his iconic “You can do it!” line, a beloved callback to “The Waterboy.”
Several other comedic actors sprinkle the film with memorable moments. Jon Lovitz shows up in a humorous driving range scene. Nick Swardson appears in a flashback. Jim Downey takes on the role of a tournament starter, while Marcello Hernandez plays Esteban, an eccentric aide to Bad Bunny’s character. The “unlikely trio” of Eric André, Margaret Qualley, and Martin Herlihy (from “Saturday Night Live’s” Please Don’t Destroy) appear as ordinary golfers who encounter Happy in an early, hilarious scene. Other SNL alums and Sandler regulars like Kevin Nealon (as Gary Potter, Happy’s former course partner) and Blake Clark (as an old man assisting Happy’s training) further enrich the comedic fabric.
Beyond the Fairway: Musicians and Cultural Icons Steal Scenes
“Happy Gilmore 2” doesn’t just stick to actors and athletes. The film features a surprising number of musicians and pop culture figures, adding unexpected layers of star power.
Puerto Rican music sensation Bad Bunny, credited as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, plays Oscar Mejías, Happy’s new caddie. Oscar is portrayed as slow and oblivious to golf, yet he possesses a heart of gold, brought to life with Bad Bunny’s undeniable charm. During the film’s climax, Post Malone appears as the lavishly dressed celebrity commentator, DJ Omar Gosh.
In a highly anticipated appearance, rapper Eminem steps into the shoes of Donald Jr., the son of the original film’s infamous heckler. He delivers the classic “Jackass!” line in a pivotal, hilarious scene, marking his second comedic collaboration with Adam Sandler. Rapper Scott Mescudi, famously known as Kid Cudi, also makes a surprising appearance as an FBI agent, leading an unexpected raid alongside Sarah Sarandos, the daughter of Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos.
Other cultural icons add to the film’s vibrant atmosphere. “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings brings an authentic touch to a scene where Happy discovers he’s no longer a household name on the game show. Food Network star Guy Fieri electrifies the crowd with his signature energy as the championship tournament starter. Podcasters Alix Earle, Bobby Lee, and Sean Evans also appear, interviewing antagonist Frank Manatee, blending real-world media personalities into the film’s universe.
The Green Giants: Pro Golfers and Sports Legends
True to its roots, “Happy Gilmore 2” is heavily populated by professional golfers, lending incredible authenticity to the on-screen action. Their presence grounds the slapstick comedy in a tangible sports world.
Golf legend John Daly has significant screentime, appearing as Happy’s unconventional neighbor and an uncle-like figure. Will Zalatoris’s cameo is a particularly clever plot point: he’s revealed to be the grown-up version of the young blonde caddie Happy choked in the first film, now a rival on the course. Scottie Scheffler, another top golfer, appears as an ally to Happy, while Bubba Watson aligns with the opposing team. Former PGA CEO Seth Waugh also plays himself, overseeing the on-screen competition, adding a layer of realism.
The film boasts an astonishing roster of additional professional golfers, both current and retired. Legends like Jack Nicklaus, Fred Couples, Sir Nick Faldo, Lee Trevino, and current stars such as Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Bryson Dechambeau, Tony Finau, Collin Morikawa, Corey Pavin, Xander Schauffele, Hunter Mahan, Jim Furyk, Sergio Garcia, and Charley Hull all make appearances in various clubhouse and on-course scenes. This deep bench of golf talent makes the tournaments feel remarkably genuine.
Beyond golf, other sports stars make their mark. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce delivers a memorable comedic performance as a “brown-nosing” club waiter, culminating in a hilarious scene involving honey and a bear. Serbian basketball player Boban Marjanović, standing at an imposing 7’3″, portrays Drago Larson, the even taller son of the original film’s lovable giant, Mr. Larson, providing a heartfelt and humorous encounter with Happy. Former NHL players Chris Chelios and Sean Avery appear as intimidating henchmen, a nod to Happy’s hockey origins. Real-life sportscasters like Verne Lundquist (returning from the original), Stephen A. Smith, Chris Berman, and Jim Gray lend their authentic commentary to the golf broadcasts.
Unexpected Appearances and Family Ties
The film doesn’t shy away from unexpected cameos and deeply personal touches, particularly from the Sandler and Stiller families. Adam Sandler is well-known for featuring his friends in his movies, but “Happy Gilmore 2” goes a step further by including his immediate family. Both his daughters, Sunny and Sadie Sandler, have prominent roles. Sunny plays Happy’s daughter Vienna, who becomes his primary motivation for returning to golf. Adam’s wife, Jackie Sandler, appears as Vienna’s dance instructor. His mother, Judy Sandler, and mother-in-law also make brief appearances.
Ben Stiller follows suit, with his children, Ella and Quinn, taking on minor roles. Ella plays a liquor store cashier who has a confrontation with Happy, while Quinn appears as one of the caddies. These family cameos add a unique, personal dimension to the film, reflecting the close-knit nature of Sandler’s creative circle.
Honoring the Legacy: Tributes to the Original
“Happy Gilmore 2” beautifully pays homage to its predecessor. Beyond the returning cast members and recurring jokes, the film features numerous flashbacks and subtle nods to the original’s most beloved characters and moments.
A particularly poignant scene shows Happy and Shooter McGavin crossing paths at a cemetery. This “In Memoriam” moment provides a heartfelt and pointed sendoff to the characters of Carl Weathers’ Chubbs, Frances Bay’s Grandma Gilmore, and Bob Barker. Given that the actors who portrayed these iconic figures are all deceased, highlighting their characters’ names on tombstones is a respectful and touching tribute that resonates deeply with long-time fans. The film also features Lavell Crawford as Slim Peterson, the prosthetic-handed son of Happy’s late mentor Chubbs, ensuring Chubbs’ spirit lives on through valuable golfing advice.
“Happy Gilmore 2” is not just a sequel; it’s a celebration of a comedic legacy, blending fresh narrative elements with a rich tapestry of celebrity appearances and heartfelt tributes. The sheer volume and variety of cameos make it a must-watch experience, solidifying its place as a memorable return for one of comedy’s most beloved underdogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drives Happy Gilmore’s return to professional golf in the sequel?
In “Happy Gilmore 2,” Happy’s motivation for returning to professional golf is deeply personal. After losing his wife, Virginia, and subsequently his grandmother’s house for a second time, Happy finds himself in financial distress while raising his five children. His primary goal is to secure funds for his daughter Vienna’s prestigious ballet education in Paris. This family-centric mission reignites his competitive spirit, forcing him back into the world of golf and leading to new challenges, including a confrontation with the rival Maxi Golf league.
Which professional golfers have major roles or significant appearances in “Happy Gilmore 2”?
“Happy Gilmore 2” features an extensive lineup of professional golfers, enhancing the film’s authenticity. John Daly has a prominent role as Happy’s neighbor and a pseudo-uncle figure. Will Zalatoris is central to a plot point, revealed as the grown-up blonde caddie Happy choked in the original film, now his rival. Scottie Scheffler is portrayed as an ally to Happy, while Bubba Watson aligns with the opposing team. The film also includes a vast array of other notable pros and legends like Jack Nicklaus, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spiess, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, and Lee Trevino in various scenes.
Why are there so many celebrity cameos in “Happy Gilmore 2,” and what is their impact?
The abundance of celebrity cameos in “Happy Gilmore 2” stems from Adam Sandler’s extensive network and the widespread love for the original film. Many actors and comedians are long-time Sandler collaborators, eager to participate in his projects. Musicians and athletes also joined due to their admiration for the first movie’s cultural impact and the unique opportunity to appear in a high-profile Netflix sequel. These cameos significantly enhance the film’s appeal by adding star power, comedic value, and a sense of authenticity, particularly in the sports scenes, making it a dynamic and engaging experience for viewers.
