Adam Sandler is reprising his role as the unconventional golfing champion Happy Gilmore in an eagerly anticipated sequel set to stream on Netflix in July 2025. Nearly three decades after the original 1996 film, Sandler brings back this iconic character for a new round of comedic chaos.
The sequel picks up with Happy Gilmore coming out of retirement to face fresh challenges on the golf course, surrounded by a mix of returning stars and new faces. The continuation promises to blend nostalgia with contemporary humor and a star-studded cast, generating high anticipation among fans of the cult classic.
Returning and New Cast Members in the Happy Gilmore Sequel
The film features a broad ensemble of familiar and fresh talent, with several key actors reprising their original roles alongside notable newcomers. Adam Sandler leads as Happy Gilmore, the hot-headed golfer who unexpectedly rose to fame after failing to make it as a professional ice hockey player.
Julie Bowen returns as Virginia Venit, Happy’s wife and former public relations director for the golf tour, while Christopher McDonald reprises his role as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s arrogant rival. Ben Stiller also comes back as Hal L, the retirement home orderly now running a support group.
New cast members include Benny Safdie as Frank Manatee, a dubious businessman challenging the golf world with a rival league called Maxi Golf, and Sunny Sandler, Adam Sandler’s daughter, playing Vienna Gilmore, Happy’s aspiring dancer daughter. Music star Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio MartÃnez Ocasio, joins as Oscar Mejias, Happy’s new caddy.
Other notable additions are Lavell Crawford, portraying Slim Peterson, son of Happy’s late mentor Chubbs Peterson, and several celebrity cameos from athletes and entertainers. The sequel boasts an extensive lineup, including Jackie Sandler, Eminem, Post Malone, Travis Kelce, Margaret Qualley, Steve Buscemi, and Eric Andre, among others.
Detailed Cast Profiles and Their Roles
Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore: The sequel continues Happy’s story from the original movie, where he discovered an unexpected talent for golf after failing to succeed in ice hockey. In this new chapter, Happy is drawn back into the sport, leading to new comedic scenarios. Sandler’s career includes many comedies such as Billy Madison, The Waterboy, and Grown Ups, as well as dramatic roles in films like Punch Drunk Love and Uncut Gems.
Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit: Virginia, the former public relations director for the golf tour and Happy’s wife, returns in a more settled role at the film’s start, where the couple is happily married. Bowen is widely recognized for her portrayal of Claire Dunphy on Modern Family, and she has appeared in films like Joe Somebody and Horrible Bosses as well as TV shows including ER and Lost.
Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin: McDonald’s character remains Happy’s biggest rival, notorious for his arrogance and hostility toward Happy. His role as Shooter is perhaps his most iconic, though his filmography spans movies including Grease 2 and Requiem for a Dream as well as television series like Ballers and Hacks.
Benny Safdie as Frank Manatee: Portraying a manipulative businessman who creates a competing golf league, Safdie brings a complex character to the new storyline. Primarily known as a director, Safdie has also acted in projects such as Licorice Pizza, Oppenheimer, and the series The Curse.
Sunny Sandler as Vienna Gilmore: Playing Happy Gilmore’s daughter with aspirations to become a professional dancer, Sunny expands her acting portfolio with this role. She has appeared in several of her father’s projects, including You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.
Benito Antonio MartÃnez Ocasio (Bad Bunny) as Oscar Mejias: The popular music artist takes on the role of Happy’s new caddy, marking a significant acting opportunity beyond his successful music career. Ocasio’s previous acting experiences include roles in F9 and Narcos: Mexico.
Ben Stiller as Hal L: Stiller returns in the role of the retirement home orderly who now leads a support group, adding a familiar presence to the sequel. Stiller’s extensive career features hits such as There’s Something About Mary, Zoolander, and The Royal Tenenbaums, along with critically praised directorial work on the Apple TV+ series Severance.
Lavell Crawford as Slim Peterson: Slim is the son of Chubbs Peterson, Happy’s mentor from the first movie, and shares his father’s prosthetic hand. Crawford is best known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, and he has also worked with Sandler in previous comedies.
Famous Golfers and Celebrity Cameos Featured in the Film
The sequel also includes appearances by a host of professional golfers playing themselves, adding authenticity and excitement to the sporting elements of the story. Among these athletes are Keegan Bradley, Bryson DeChambeau, John Daly, Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Nelly Korda, Nancy Lopez, Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, Jack Nicklaus, Corey Pavin, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Lee Trevino, and Will Zalatoris.
Additional celebrity cameos include Scott Mescudi as an FBI agent, Travis Kelce as a waiter, and a role for the rapper Eminem as Donald Jr., alongside appearances by Post Malone and Reggie Bush. This blending of sports stars and entertainers aims to enrich the film‘s dynamic and broaden its appeal.
The History and Legacy of Happy Gilmore
Happy Gilmore originally found success unexpectedly on the PGA tour after years spent trying—and failing—to succeed as an ice hockey player. The 1996 film established Sandler’s character as a brash and talented underdog who quickly gained a cult following thanks to his unique style and humor. This new installment brings Happy back out of retirement, promising a fresh take that still honors the wild spirit of the original.
Adam Sandler’s career is built around a wide range of comedy films with memorable characters, but he has also earned respect for his dramatic performances. This balance adds depth to his return as Happy Gilmore, who remains a beloved figure for audiences.
Streaming Date and Anticipated Reception
Happy Gilmore 2 will begin streaming worldwide on Netflix starting Friday, 25 July 2025. As one of Netflix’s high-profile comedy releases, the film is expected to attract considerable attention from both longtime fans of the original and new viewers. Its blend of nostalgia, star power, and popular guest appearances enhances expectations.
This sequel signifies Netflix’s continued commitment to producing exclusive films starring Adam Sandler, who has become one of the streamer’s most reliable and popular leading men. Given the broad appeal of the original and the expanded ensemble cast, the film is well positioned to be a major hit in the streaming space.
As anticipation builds in the months leading up to its release, viewers can expect a mix of comedy, sports action, and familiar characters ready to relive and expand the chaotic world of Happy Gilmore.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Adam Sandler’s religion?
A. In February 2011, Adam Sandler attended a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony with his daughters, Sunny and Sadie. He has been married to Jacqueline “Jackie” Sandler since 2003. Jackie converted to Judaism, which is Adam’s religion.
Q. Is Adam Sandler a millionaire?
A. After working in entertainment for almost 40 years, Sandler has accumulated a net worth of approximately $440 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Q. What religion is Adam Sandler?
A. In February 2011, Sandler attended a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony with his daughters, Sunny and Sadie. Sandler married Jacqueline “Jackie” Sandler, originally Titone, in 2003. She embraced Sandler’s faith, which is Judaism.
