It took nearly thirty years, but the long game is finally over. If you've been screaming "Are you too good for your home?" at your television for decades, hoping for a sequel to the 1996 cult classic, the wait actually ended recently. Happy Gilmore 2 didn't just stay in "development hell"—it swung onto screens with a massive, record-breaking thud on Netflix.
Honestly, for a long time, it felt like a pipe dream. Adam Sandler was busy with Uncut Gems and his various vacation-style comedies, and the idea of returning to the ice-hockey-player-turned-golfer seemed like a reach. But then the rumors started. Christopher McDonald (the legend who plays Shooter McGavin) leaked that a script existed. Then Netflix opened the checkbook. Before we knew it, production trucks were spotted all over New Jersey.
Is Happy Gilmore 2 Coming Out? It Already Arrived
The short answer is: yes, it happened. Happy Gilmore 2 came out on July 25, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. If you missed the memo, you’ve got a lot of catching up to do.
The movie didn't just trickle out; it exploded. It set a record for the biggest U.S. opening weekend for a movie on the platform. Director Kyle Newacheck (the guy behind Murder Mystery and Workaholics) took the reins, and while critics were split on whether it captured the original "lightning in a bottle," fans flooded social media with clips of the new cameos.
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What’s the Story This Time?
It’s not just a carbon copy of the first one.
The plot picks up about 30 years later. Happy isn't that young, angry kid anymore—he's a widowed father who has hit a bit of a rough patch. After his wife Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen) passed away in a tragic, albeit strangely "Sandler-esque" accident, Happy kind of lost his way. He’s broke, he’s struggling with the bottle, and he’s lost the iconic grandmother’s house again.
Basically, the stakes are personal. His daughter, Vienna (played by Sandler’s real-life daughter, Sunny Sandler), is a gifted dancer who gets a shot at a prestigious ballet school in Paris. Happy needs $300,000 to get her there.
Enter the new world of golf. The movie introduces "Maxi Golf," a high-octane, energy-drink-fueled version of the sport that's a clear parody of the real-world LIV Golf. Happy has to dust off the Bruins jersey and the hockey-stick putter to compete against a new generation of golfers and, of course, his eternal rival.
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Who Returned for the Sequel?
You can't have Happy Gilmore without the villains and the love interests. Most of the heavy hitters came back, though some absences were felt deeply.
- Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin: He’s back, and apparently, he’s been in a mental institution since the 90s. He’s just as arrogant, just as obsessed with the Gold Jacket, and still hates "pieces of s***" like Happy.
- Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit: While her character is deceased in the main timeline, she appears in flashbacks and "Happy Place" sequences.
- Ben Stiller as Hal L.: The abusive nursing home orderly is back, now leading a support group for alcoholics. It’s a weird, dark turn that only Sandler’s crew could pull off.
- Benny Safdie: Joining the cast as Frank Manatee, the mogul behind Maxi Golf.
The film also deals with the passing of Carl Weathers (Chubbs Peterson) and Richard Kiel (Mr. Larson). There is a touching tribute to them, and the movie introduces "Slim Peterson," played by Lavell Crawford, as Chubbs' son.
That Massive Cameo List
Sandler movies are known for cameos, but this one went overboard in the best way.
- Travis Kelce: Plays a hot-headed waiter at a golf club.
- Bad Bunny: Takes on a significant role as Oscar, Happy’s new caddy.
- Eminem and Post Malone: Both show up in the chaotic Maxi Golf sequences.
- John Daly: Actually lives in Happy's garage in this version.
- PGA Pros: Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau all make appearances on the green.
Why the Delay Took Decades
Why now? Sandler spent years resisting sequels. He famously avoided making a second Waterboy or Billy Madison. But the partnership with Netflix changed the math. The streamer loves established IP, and Sandler finally felt he had a "hook" that wasn't just a rehash.
The production was massive. They spent over $150 million filming in New Jersey, turning local golf courses like Fiddler’s Elbow into cinematic landmarks. It wasn't just a small comedy shoot; it was a blockbuster-level event.
What You Should Do Next
If you haven't seen it yet, fire up Netflix. It’s sitting there in the "Top 10" or the "Popular" section.
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- Watch the 1996 original first. The sequel relies heavily on "nostalgia-bait" and callbacks. If you don't remember the Bob Barker fight or the "Mister, Mister" lady, half the jokes in the sequel won't land.
- Look for the Easter eggs. The movie is packed with references to other Sandler films. There are even nods to Hubie Halloween and Billy Madison hidden in the background.
- Check out the soundtrack. Like the first one, it’s loaded with classic rock that perfectly fits Happy’s chaotic energy.
The era of wondering "is Happy Gilmore 2 coming out" is officially over. The jersey is back on, the swing is still weird, and the putter is still a hockey stick. It's a weird, messy, nostalgic ride that proves some characters are just too fun to leave in the 90s.
Actionable Insight: Go to your Netflix search bar and type "Happy Gilmore 2." It's available for streaming right now in 4K. If you're a die-hard fan, keep an eye out for the "Making Of" documentary that Netflix released alongside it, which features some great behind-the-scenes footage of the sports cameos.