If you’ve ever mimicked a wild golf swing in your backyard while yelling, “Happy learned how to putt!”—good news: Happy Gilmore is officially back. After nearly 30 years, Adam Sandler’s hot-headed, hockey-loving golf prodigy returns in Happy Gilmore 2, landing on Netflix just in time to become the comedy hit of the summer.
The original Happy Gilmore opened in theaters in 1996 and soon teed its way into cult classic status. With its mix of off-the-wall humor, catchphrases, and Sandler’s iconic performance, the movie became a staple of ’90s comedy. Decades later, fans are finally getting to return to Happy’s universe—and it’s looking like one giant reunion bash.
Sandler revisits the role that propelled him into fame, and he’s not going solo. Julie Bowen reprises her role as Virginia, Christopher McDonald is back sneering again as Shooter McGavin, and Ben Stiller reprises his role as the world’s most frightful nursing home orderly, Hal L.
There are some new faces in the action as well—Sandler’s actual daughters, Sunny and Sadi, are accompanied by newcomers such as Eric André, Margaret Qualley, and Martin Herlihy. Additionally, music and sports royalty are dropping in for cameos such as Bad Bunny, Eminem, Post Malone, Travis Kelce, John Daly, and golfing greats like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jack Nicklaus.
Off-camera, several of the original creatives have also come back together. First, Happy Gilmore co-writer Tim Herlihy returns to script alongside Sandler.
Original director Dennis Dugan returns as an executive producer, with directing work now in the hands of Kyle Newacheck (Murder Mystery). Producers Jack Giarraputo and Robert Simonds complete the group, ensuring the new film retains the same crazy, endearing energy that made the original so popular.
Although the entire plot hasn’t been disclosed, Netflix has teased that Happy’s back out on the green, but this time he’s golfing to pay his daughter’s tuition. And judging from the trailer, die-hard fans are in for a trip down memory lane.
There are references to the original here and there—Happy’s hockey stick putter, his Bruins jersey, and those giant prize checks all return. His dented car and the hanging picture of Grandma in the rearview mirror? All still there. Except now, it appears a new generation of Gilmores is getting into the action.
The movie is riddled with Easter eggs for loyal fans and full of surprises for new ones. Ben Stiller’s Hal L. is back with his signature one-liners, and even the legendary “bull dance” returns—this time with Happy’s children joining in on the fun. The entire sequel feels like a gigantic thank-you to the fans for keeping Happy Gilmore alive for all these years.
Happy Gilmore 2 is not merely another sequel but a whole-shebang celebration of all the things that made the original so beloved. With its mix of retro comedy, heart-warming moments, an icily cool cast, and cameos aplenty, it’s already causing a stir on the radar of Netflix. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just new to Happy’s universe, this is one return you don’t want to miss.
As Netflix’s Tudum so succinctly says: “It’s been nearly 30 years since we last checked in on Happy Gilmore, the long-driving hero who captured the Tour Championship in 1996. Now we finally get to catch up with him in a new sequel that arrives on Netflix July 25.”