Happy Gilmore 2 (2025): What Fans Need to Know
Nearly 30 years after Adam Sandler first swung a hockey stick onto the course, his iconic character Happy Gilmore makes a triumphant return in Happy Gilmore 2, streaming exclusively on Netflix starting July 25, 2025
What Is Happening in the Sequel?
Plot Overview
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The story picks up 29 years after the original, with Happy forced out of retirement to raise funds for his daughter Vienna’s ballet school tuition
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His beloved wife Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen) famously dies in a freak accident caused by one of Happy’s swing mishaps—launching the emotional arc of the film
Tone and Themes
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The sequel blends nostalgic comedy with surreal emotional overtones, including dreamlike appearances by Virginia and tributes to Chubbs Peterson (Carl Weathers), who passed away in 2024
Cast & Characters
Returning Favorites
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Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore
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Julie Bowen reprises Virginia Venit
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Christopher McDonald back as Shooter McGavin
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Dennis Dugan returns on screen and behind the scenes as Doug Thompson
New Faces & Cameos
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Bad Bunny plays Happy’s unpredictable caddie Oscar
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Benny Safdie, Margaret Qualley, Ben Stiller, and Maggie, appear in prominent roles
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Adam Sandler’s daughters Sunny and Sadie appear, with Sunny credited as Vienna, Happy’s daughter
Celebrity & Athlete Cameos
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Cameos from Travis Kelce, Eminem, Post Malone, and NFL/golf legends (Jack Nicklaus, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, among others) pepper the film across comedy and contest scenes
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Production & Development
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Netflix officially green-lit production in May 2024.
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Filming took place in New Jersey (country clubs, diners, beaches) from September to December 2024
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A major rewrite occurred after Carl Weathers’ passing, scrapping plans for his character Chubbs to return; the final film honors his legacy via new material featuring his on-screen son
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Kyle Newacheck directs; the script is by Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler, with production from Happy Madison and STX Films
Release Details
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Release Date: July 25, 2025 on Netflix globally
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Service drop time: Typically 12 a.m. PT / 3 a.m. ET
Early Impressions & Fan Reception
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Reviews note that Happy Gilmore 2 is primarily for existing fans, with callbacks, throwback style, and plenty of golf chaos, though it’s unlikely to convert new audiences beyond followers
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Praise centers around nostalgic humor, original cast chemistry, and celebrity cameos. Critics flagged the darker storyline elements and unusual tonal shifts as potential polarizers
Is It Worth It?
Happy Gilmore 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel. It brings back classic characters, absurd golf shots, and playful cameos—but now with added emotional resonance and surreal comedy. While it’s not a generational hit like the original, it leans into nostalgia with enough new energy to feel like a welcome homecoming.
At the very least, it offers years of quotes, callbacks, and cameos to keep fans geeked—and at best, it’s a heartfelt tribute to what made Happy Gilmore matter.
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