Happy Gilmore Returns: Netflix Announces July Release for Highly Anticipated Sequel

Get ready to tee off with Happy Gilmore once again! Netflix has officially confirmed that the long-awaited sequel, Happy Gilmore 2, is hitting the streaming service this summer. A brand new trailer, packed with hilarious moments and surprising cameos, has just been released, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement. The film, a direct continuation of Adam Sandler’s beloved 1996 comedy, promises to deliver the same blend of slapstick humor, outrageous characters, and heartwarming underdog story that made the original a cult classic.

The trailer kicks off with Happy Gilmore, the hockey player turned unconventional golfer, encountering a rather unflattering bust of himself. Sandwiched between the likenesses of golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods, Happy expresses his utter dismay at the statue’s exaggerated features, quipping, "What is that? What’s with the beaver teeth?" This opening scene perfectly encapsulates the self-deprecating humor and irreverent tone that fans have come to expect from Sandler and the Happy Gilmore franchise.

Beyond the initial comedic setup, the trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s star-studded cast. Notably, global music sensation Bad Bunny makes an appearance, demonstrating his own brand of frustration with the sport by dramatically snapping a golf club over his knee. While the extent of Bad Bunny’s role remains a mystery, his inclusion adds a fresh and unexpected element to the Happy Gilmore universe, potentially attracting a new audience to the franchise.

Of course, no Happy Gilmore sequel would be complete without the return of familiar faces. Ben Stiller reprises his role as Hal L., the sadistic orderly from the nursing home, promising a dose of his signature over-the-top villainy. Christopher McDonald is back as Happy’s iconic rival, Shooter McGavin, and Julie Bowen returns as Virginia Venit, the PGA Tour publicist who found herself caught between Happy’s chaotic energy and Shooter’s ruthless ambition. Seeing these original cast members back in action is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia for longtime fans.

Blake Clark, a frequent collaborator with Sandler, also makes a cameo, recreating his memorable shirtless scene from the 1998 comedy The Waterboy. These returning actors and visual gags contribute to the film’s intention to satisfy the original fans and create a fun nostalgic feeling for the original movie.

Mark your calendars: Happy Gilmore 2 will be available to stream on Netflix starting July 25th.

The anticipation for Happy Gilmore 2 has been building steadily since Netflix released a short Christmas Day teaser. This initial glimpse featured a cameo by Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who expressed his admiration for Happy Gilmore. The teaser concluded with a subtle tease of a rematch between Happy and Shooter McGavin, reigniting the rivalry that fueled the original film.

The project was officially confirmed in early 2023 when Christopher McDonald revealed in a radio interview that Sandler had shared the script with him. The screenplay is a collaborative effort between Sandler and Tim Herlihy, the writer behind the original Happy Gilmore and numerous other Sandler comedies. This reunion of the original writing team suggests that the sequel will stay true to the spirit of the first film.

Beyond the returning cast and familiar characters, Happy Gilmore 2 is also set to feature a number of exciting cameos. Golfing legends like Jack Nicklaus are rumored to be making appearances, adding an element of authenticity to the golfing world depicted in the film. Perhaps the most highly anticipated cameo is that of rapper Eminem, who Sandler confirmed would be part of the movie during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show. Sandler described Eminem’s performance as "funny as hell" and praised his improvisational skills, hinting at some truly memorable moments. The inclusion of Eminem could also broaden the appeal of the film to a wider demographic, further solidifying its potential for success on Netflix.

Adding another layer of intrigue, Margaret Qualley, known for her role in The Substance, will also appear in the film. Qualley revealed on The Tonight Show that her husband, Jack Antonoff, played a role in securing her cameo by jokingly exaggerating her non-existent golfing skills to Adam Sandler. "He lied for the sake of the family," Qualley joked, admitting, "I’ve never golfed a day in my life. I’m terrible, actually." This anecdote highlights the lighthearted and collaborative atmosphere surrounding the production of Happy Gilmore 2.

With a release date locked in, a star-studded cast, and a promise of more of the same irreverent humor that made the original a classic, Happy Gilmore 2 is poised to be one of Netflix’s biggest comedy hits of the summer. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Happy Gilmore, this sequel is sure to provide plenty of laughs and memorable moments. Get ready to yell "Gooooooaaaaaaal!" once again when Happy Gilmore 2 premieres on July 25th.