It’s been 29 years since the first film, and now fans are finally being treated to Happy Gilmore 2.
First released in 1996, Happy Gilmore remains one of Adam Sandler’s most beloved films. At the moment, we’re in an era of late-arriving sequels, where original casts come back to an ultimate nostalgia fest (think Freakier Friday and The Devil Wears Prada 2.) Netflix's Happy Gilmore 2 is the latest in this trend.
The movie has already garnered excitement on social media. On X, one fan wrote, 'So we're all staying up late to watch Happy Gilmore 2 because our lives are empty and we miss the 90s, right?'
Another praised the film, writing, 'I had it completely in my mind that Happy Gilmore 2 would be the greatest disappointment in my lifetime, and ruin it forever for me. Pleasantly surprised. Think they've done a pretty good job considering.'
But when the first film is so beloved, can a second ever quite match up? Here’s everything to know about Happy Gilmore 2 – including whether it’s worth watching, how to watch it, and its star studded celebrity cast.
Is Happy Gilmore 2 worth watching?
For fans of Happy Gilmore, we’ve got good news. The second film is apparently just as good – with one review describing it as a 'welcome dose of nostalgia that reminds audiences just how versatile a comedic actor Adam Sandler can be'.
What is Happy Gilmore 2 about?
As the story begins, Happy is all washed up, lost in an alcoholic daze after accidentally killing his beloved wife Virginia with an errant golf ball. He’s lost his home, he’s lost his job, and he’s working in a supermarket to make ends meet – which certainly isn’t going to pay for tuition at a Paris ballet academy for his daughter Vienna (played by Adam's real daughter, Sunny Sandler) .
Clearly there’s nothing for Happy to do but get back out on the golf course. Getting his mojo back, Happy steps up to the 2025 version of a championship challenge, facing off against a team from the Maxi Gold League. Of course, this means a run-in with some familiar faces – including Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), Hal L. (Ben Stiller) and Gary Potter (Kevin Nealon). With the help of his doting caddy Oscar (played by Bad Bunny), Happy’s ready to prove he’s got what it takes to win the championship.
Who is in the cast of Happy Gilmore 2?
Happy Gilmore 2 features a star-studded cast, many of whom are from Adam Sandler's close friends and family.
Of course, Adam has returned as the titular character of Happy. Christopher McDonald has also reprised his role as Shooter McGavin. Julie Bowen appears as Happy’s level-headed wife Virginia, with Ben Stiller also stepping in as moustachioed Hal.
There are plenty of other recognisable faces too. A feast of golfers have joined in the fun, along with Bad Bunny as Happy’s loveable caddy, NFL star (and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend) Travis Kelce as The Waiter. Steve Buscemi also makes an appearance. The Substance’s Margaret Qualley stars as Sally, with Guy Fieri stepping in as Maxi Starter.
Many fans were also shocked to spot Eminem on the cast list. While he may be tough to recognise thanks to a bucket hat and a beard, the rapper does appear as a golfer competing against Happy. The two have a heated exchange, resulting in Eminem branding him a ‘jackass.’ Talking about working with the iconic rapper, Adam said, ‘Eminem was cool, he was great. I’ve known Eminem for a long time and he’s a great guy. He came in and was funny as heck. I think we just hung out all day.’
Naturally, Adam’s family also appear. The actor has starred alongside his wife Jackie and their two daughters, Sadie, 19, and Sunny, 16, several times. Both his daughters are in the Happy Gilmore sequel, with his wife Jackie also making a cameo as Monica. Discussing working with his two daughters, Adam said, ‘Love them. Your heart feels good. You’re pulling for ‘em while you’re working with them.’
Opening up about the famous cast list, director Kyle Newacheck said, ‘A lot of these guys, the golfers and people who are near and dear to Adam and the movie, they all wanted to come and say hi and play and be a part of it and contribute to the second one.’
What time does Happy Gilmore 2 come out in the UK?
Good news – it’s already out! The film is another in a long line of Netflix collabs between Adam and the platform, with Happy Gilmore 2 available to stream on Netflix for those who have a subscription.
Charlotte Roberts is a news and entertainment writer at Grazia UK. She spends her days covering everything celebrity and pop culture.