Nearly three decades after the original comedy classic, Happy Gilmore 2 is finally here. This sequel brings back the beloved character Happy Gilmore, played again by Adam Sandler, for another round of golf, jokes, and emotional surprises. The film was released on Netflix on July 25, 2025, and quickly became one of the platform’s biggest hits.
A Look Back at the First Movie
The original Happy Gilmore was released in 1996. It followed a failed hockey player who discovered a surprising talent for golf. With a powerful swing and wild temper, Happy Gilmore joined the golf tour to save his grandmother’s house. The movie became a cult favorite and is still loved today.
What Is Happy Gilmore 2 About?
The sequel picks up nearly 30 years later. Happy is now older and has faced many ups and downs in life. The movie starts with a shocking moment: Happy accidentally hits his wife, Virginia, with a golf ball, which causes her death. This tragic event changes everything for Happy.
Now a single father raising five children, Happy is struggling emotionally. He’s also battling alcoholism and has lost his passion for golf. But when his daughter Vienna dreams of going to ballet school in Paris, Happy decides to make a comeback. He enters a wild new tournament, hoping to win the prize money to support her dreams.
The story follows his return to the world of golf, where he must face new challenges, powerful opponents, and even old rivals.
The Cast
The movie includes a mix of original cast members and fresh faces. Here are the main characters:
Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore
The main character, now older and dealing with grief, fatherhood, and personal struggles.
Sunny Sandler as Vienna Gilmore
Happy’s daughter who dreams of becoming a ballerina. She motivates Happy to return to golf.
Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin
Happy’s old rival returns but plays a different role. Instead of being the villain, he helps Happy this time.
Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit
Happy’s late wife. She appears in flashbacks and in one emotional scene as a vision encouraging him to go on.
Ben Stiller as Hal L.
A familiar face from the original film, he now runs a support group.
Bad Bunny as Oscar
Happy’s new caddy. He starts as comic relief but becomes an important part of the story and later opens his own restaurant.
Benny Safdie as the Corporate Villain
The new bad guy who runs the high-tech golf tour and wants to get rid of traditional players like Happy.
There are also many cameos by real-life celebrities and athletes, such as Travis Kelce, Eminem, Ken Jennings, Becky Lynch, Post Malone, and more.
Themes of the Movie
Though Happy Gilmore 2 is a comedy, it deals with deeper emotional themes than the first movie. These include:
Grief
Happy is dealing with the loss of his wife and must learn how to move forward.
Fatherhood
The film focuses on his love for his children, especially Vienna, and how far he’ll go for their future.
Redemption
Happy tries to become a better person and prove that he’s more than just an angry golfer.
Friendship and Forgiveness
Shooter McGavin returns, and while their relationship starts off tense, they eventually become allies.
Classic vs. Modern Sports
The movie compares old-school golf with flashy new technology, showing that heart and passion still matter.
Highlights of the Plot
Here are some key moments from the movie:
- After Virginia’s death, Happy becomes a recluse and stops playing golf.
- Vienna tells him about her dream to study ballet in Paris, which pushes him to return to the sport.
- He joins a new tournament called the Maxi League, which is full of gimmicks and strange rules.
- Shooter McGavin, now retired, warns Happy about the new tour’s dangerous business side.
- Happy meets Oscar, his fun but surprisingly wise caddy.
- The villain, a rich investor, tries to push Happy out and change golf forever.
- Happy gets a surprise visit from Virginia in a dream. She tells him to keep fighting.
- In the final round, Happy faces impossible odds but manages to make an amazing putt.
- He wins the tournament, earns the prize money, and uses it to support Vienna’s dreams.
- The movie ends with Happy watching Vienna dance in Paris, smiling with pride.
How Fans Reacted
The movie became a big hit. Within days of its release, it became the most watched Netflix original movie in the United States, with over 46 million views in its opening weekend. Fans loved seeing their favorite characters again and praised the mix of humor, heart, and nostalgia.
What Critics Said
Critics were mixed but mostly positive. Many said the movie balanced comedy and emotion better than expected. The film got around 65% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is high for an Adam Sandler comedy. Some said the flashbacks were weak, but most agreed that the ending was strong and satisfying.
Fun Facts
- The movie was directed by Kyle Newacheck, known for his work on Workaholics.
- Shooting took place in New Jersey, using real golf courses for many scenes.
- Actor Carl Weathers, who played Chubbs in the first movie, was supposed to return. Sadly, he passed away before filming began. The script was changed to honor his memory.
- Travis Kelce’s appearance as a guest golfer was kept secret until the premiere.
- Adam Sandler said this was the most excited he’d been in years to make a movie.
Will There Be a Happy Gilmore 3?
At this point, Netflix and Adam Sandler have not confirmed a third movie, but given the success of Happy Gilmore 2, it’s very possible. Fans are already asking for more stories about Vienna or Oscar’s journey in the golf world.
Final Thoughts
Happy Gilmore 2 is more than just a funny sports sequel. It’s a story about loss, second chances, and love. It honors the classic original while adding new depth and meaning. With a mix of old friends, new faces, and plenty of laughs, it’s a movie that both longtime fans and new viewers can enjoy.
Whether you love golf or just a good comedy with heart, Happy Gilmore 2 proves that even the angriest golfer can grow up and still make a difference—one swing at a time.
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