Since its release earlier this year, Adam Sandler‘s Happy Gilmore 2 has quickly gained popularity as one of his standout films in recent years, largely due to its nostalgic connection to the original hit. The movie is known for smart humor and an array of cameo appearances, making it a streaming sensation.
One of the film‘s most notable features is the number of celebrity cameos that nod to Adam Sandler’s long-standing career and friendships in Hollywood. Yet, despite this star-studded lineup, several frequent collaborators and close friends of Sandler were surprisingly absent from the sequel. These omissions carry various explanations, and fans should not read too much into these absences regarding future partnerships.
David Spade’s Unseen Return
David Spade, a longtime friend and frequent co-star of Adam Sandler, notably did not appear in Happy Gilmore 2. Spade and Sandler got their start together on Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s, which propelled both into successful comedic careers. Spade supported Sandler in projects like Grandma’s Boy and played a prominent role in the Grown Ups series.
Their partnership spans five live-action movies and multiple Hotel Transylvania installments. This gap in collaboration is unusual as their last film together was 2016’s The Do-Over. Spade’s omission from the new film seems to be a result of the extensive ensemble cast rather than any falling out.
Kevin James Missing Despite Frequent Collaborations
Kevin James, who has teamed with Adam Sandler in fourteen projects, was another regular who did not appear in Happy Gilmore 2. Their joint work includes comedies like I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry and You Don’t Mess With The Zohan, with James also breaking out in Paul Blart: Mall Cop, a Sandler-produced movie.
The absence might stem from Sandler’s focus on returning original Happy Gilmore cast members like Christopher McDonald and Ben Stiller, as James’ collaborations started after the original film. Although absent here, James and Sandler recently worked together in 2020’s Hubie Halloween and are expected to continue their frequent collaborations.
Jennifer Aniston’s Different Style Keeps Her Out of the Sequel
Jennifer Aniston has collaborated on a limited number of projects with Sandler but shares a strong friendship with him. Their work together includes Just Go With It and the Murder Mystery series, with the latest installment produced as recently as 2023. Aniston has praised Sandler’s personal kindness, mentioning his yearly Mother’s Day flowers and ongoing communication.
The difference in comedic style likely explains her absence from Happy Gilmore 2. Their joint projects focus more on romantic comedy and mystery genres rather than the slapstick humor that characterizes Happy Gilmore. Still, both have expressed interest in working together again in future projects.
John Turturro’s Shift in Roles and Absence
John Turturro, known for his work directionally with the Coen brothers, also has a history with Adam Sandler through the Happy Madison production company. Their notable collaboration was 2002’s Mr. Deeds. However, in recent years, Turturro has leaned more toward serious, dramatic performances in series like Severance and The Plot Against America.
This change in focus partly explains his non-participation in the sequel, marking a pause since their last joint project, 2015’s The Ridiculous 6.
Peter Dante’s Fall From Grace and Resulting Exclusion
Peter Dante was a familiar face in Adam Sandler’s films during the 1990s and 2000s, often playing eccentric characters designed to add comedic flair. Their partnership included movies like The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates.
However, Dante’s collaborations with Sandler ended in 2013 after a public incident involving racial abuse at a hotel. Further legal troubles, including an arrest in 2020 related to threatening neighbors, have kept Dante out of the public eye and likely led to his exclusion from Happy Gilmore 2.
Chris Rock’s Busy Career Keeps Him Away
Chris Rock, another Saturday Night Live alumnus from the same era as Sandler, Spade, and Rob Schneider, has worked alongside Sandler in several films including The Longest Yard, Grown Ups, and Sandy Wexler. Despite their friendship and past projects, Rock did not appear in Happy Gilmore 2.
This is probably due to Rock’s demanding schedule and commitments as an independent and successful actor. Their most recent joint work was 2018’s The Week Of. With discussions about a possible Grown Ups 3 underway, fans may see them reunited soon.
Maya Rudolph’s Limited Role in Sandler’s World
Maya Rudolph’s professional history with Adam Sandler is not as extensive as some others, though their shared roots from Saturday Night Live and mutual acquaintances have brought them together on occasion. Rudolph appeared in Grown Ups and its sequel as Deanne McKenzie, the spouse of Chris Rock’s character.
Her absence in Happy Gilmore 2 is understandable given her lack of direct connection to the original’s storyline. She has continued working with Sandler recently in Hubie Halloween, so future collaborations remain possible.
Tim Meadows’ Focus on Comedy and Television
Tim Meadows, recognized for his lengthy tenure on Saturday Night Live, is part of the close-knit group that includes Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. Although less involved in Sandler’s films compared to others, Meadows has appeared in Grown Ups, Hubie Halloween, and Jack & Jill.
Meadows’ absence from Happy Gilmore 2 can likely be attributed to his preference for stand-up comedy and television roles rather than film, making his cameo less probable this time around.
Happy Gilmore 2, released in 2025, chronicles the return of Adam Sandler’s title character as he embraces golf once again, motivated by his daughter’s ballet ambitions. Though many familiar faces from Sandler’s past did not appear, the film’s extensive cast and numerous cameos create a celebratory tone that honors Sandler’s career. The absence of key collaborators highlights changes in their careers, personal choices, and priorities but does not diminish the potential for future partnerships. Audiences can look forward to possible reunions with these stars in upcoming Sandler projects.
