Adam Sandler is making his return to the big screen, and this time, he’s bringing some exciting company. The sequel to the 1996 cult classic, Happy Gilmore, is officially happening, with Netflix set to debut Happy Gilmore 2 later this year. Directed by Kyle Newacheck, known for his work on Murder Mystery and Workaholics, the sequel promises a mix of nostalgia and a fresh twist, uniting Sandler with Grammy-winning global superstar Bad Bunny on the golf course.
A High-Stakes Follow-Up to a Beloved Classic
Fans of the original Happy Gilmore will be thrilled to revisit the over-the-top journey of Sandler’s brash, hockey-player-turned-golf-pro character. The original remains one of the most iconic sports comedies, blending slapstick hilarity with heartfelt moments. Sandler, however, admits that there’s pressure to meet fans’ expectations. On The Dan Patrick Show, he said, “We’ve got a lot of good stuff, and we just want to make sure that it all comes together and keeps it going from start to finish.”
The sequel also boasts a mix of returning and new faces:
- Christopher McDonald: Reprising his iconic role as rival Shooter McGavin.
- Julie Bowen: Returning as Virginia Venit, Happy’s love interest.
- Newcomers include Travis Kelce (NFL athlete), Margaret Qualley (Maid), and Ethan Cutowsky (Shameless).
But none of the additions have stirred as much buzz as Bad Bunny’s casting.
Bad Bunny’s Hollywood Crossover
Bad Bunny’s role as Sandler’s caddy has drawn immense attention. The Puerto Rican sensation, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, continues to expand his Hollywood credentials. From a standout performance in Bullet Train to a role in Marvel’s El Muerto, he’s already making waves in the film industry. His vibrant energy could offer a comedic dynamic reminiscent of Will Ferrell’s wild sports parody performances.
What remains to be seen is how his presence will influence the movie’s tone. Will it continue Sandler’s classic humor, or will Netflix lean into Bad Bunny’s cultural significance to attract younger audiences?
New Director, Same Classic Vibes
Director Kyle Newacheck envisions Happy Gilmore 2 as an “ode to the fans” while pushing the humor to evolve with contemporary audiences. His previous collaboration with Sandler on Murder Mystery gives hope for dynamic storytelling. Additionally, Dennis Dugan, who directed the original, will serve as an executive producer, and Adam Sandler himself co-wrote the script alongside longtime partner Tim Herlihy.
What We Know—and What We Don’t
Netflix is keeping plot details under wraps, fueling speculations about the story. Some popular theories include:
- Sandler’s Happy Gilmore stepping into the role of a mentor for younger players.
- The return of old rivalries, with Shooter McGavin playing a major role.
Whatever the plot may be, Netflix clearly aims to make this sequel a cultural milestone, showcasing it as part of their ambitious 2025 movie slate alongside titles like Knives Out 3 and Damon and Affleck’s RIP.
Nostalgia Meets Fresh Talent
The excitement around Happy Gilmore 2 lies in its ability to unite two different generations. For older fans, reuniting with classic characters feels like a celebration of nostalgia. Meanwhile, casting Bad Bunny signals Netflix’s commitment to drawing in younger viewers who might be less familiar with the charm of the original movie.
Yet, nostalgia-fueled sequels often face mixed reactions—case in point, Space Jam: A New Legacy. Will this film succeed in balancing classic charm and modern relevance? Only time will tell.
A Swing Worth Watching
As anticipation builds for Happy Gilmore 2, the film has all the ingredients for a triumphant sequel: Adam Sandler’s dedication, Kyle Newacheck’s fresh vision, and the wild-card charm of Bad Bunny. Fans of the original and newcomers alike may find themselves eagerly awaiting this swing on the green. Will Happy wow audiences by sinking more impossible putts, or will Netflix surprise us with entirely new tricks?
Stay tuned for updates as Netflix unveils more about one of the year’s most anticipated cinematic comebacks. You can read more on the topic through the original article on The Hollywood Reporter.