Happy Gilmore 2: All About Adam Sandler’s Follow-Up to His ‘90s Comedy Classic

Mar. 15, 2025

Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore.Photo:AJ Pics/Alamy

AJ Pics/Alamy

Happy Gilmore is finally returning to the green.

The long-awaited followup to the 1996 cult classic is officially in the works — withAdam Sandler, who starred in and co-wrote the original, set to bring his acting and writing chops back for the sequel.

AfterChristopher McDonald, who played Shooter McGavin inHappy Gilmore, let it slip that a sequel was underwayduring a March 2024 interviewon Audacy’s92.3 The Fan, Sandler clarified his remarks. While speaking on theDan Patrick Showthe following month, Sandler confirmed thatHappy Gilmore 2was in production, joking that he had tried to tell McDonald to keep the news a secret.

On May 15, 2024,Netflix officially confirmedthat Sandler would be reprising his role in a forthcoming film for the platform. The PGA Tour even posted a video onX (formerly Twitter)of the actor jokingly saying, “Shooter McGavin, this one’s for you,” before taking his character’s signature heavy swing.

In August 2024, following the news thatTravis Kelcewill act inHappy Gilmore 2, Sandler appeared on the football player’s podcastNew Heightsto talk about the upcoming sequel.

“The movie itself picks up from an older guy who played golf a long time. Some stuff goes on in his life, and he’s different — he’s a bit of a mess,” the comedian said. “And then we try to get his life cooking again.”

From new cast additions to confirmed filming locations, here’s everything to know aboutHappy Gilmore 2.

What isHappy Gilmore 2about?

Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore.Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock

Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock

Netflix has not yet released any plot details of theHappy Gilmoresequel but Sandler has shared a few details and some of the cast have guesses on what direction the film will take.

When McDonald initially teased a potential second film during an October 2023 interview onThe Movie Dweeb, the actor gave some of his suggestions for the plot. “I was hoping the Ryder Cup — that would be kind of cool. Or the Senior tour or something,” McDonald said. “We’ll see what happens.”

While Sandler indicated that there was a first draft of the script in April 2024, comedian Nick Swardson — who says he has joined the cast ofHappy Gilmore 2— said during an appearance onThe Rich Eisen Showin July 2024 that there was still not a final script, even though filming was set to begin in September. “It’s the most Sandler thing ever,” Swardson said.

The comedian did add that his character is seen in flashbacks to the 1950s before adding that he couldn’t say anything more. Sandler confirmed in August 2024 that the film is about an “older guy who played golf a long time ago.”

Which cast members are joining — and returning for —Happy Gilmore 2?

Left: Adam Sandler speaks onstage during the 2024 People’s Choice Awards. Right: Nick Swardson performs at the New Year celebration at The Ice House Comedy Club.Rich Polk/NBC via Getty; Michael S. Schwartz/Getty

Rich Polk/NBC via Getty; Michael S. Schwartz/Getty

In the studio’s official announcement, Netflix only revealed that Sandler would be bringing back his character for the sequel. However, several actors have independently alluded to or confirmed their participation inHappy Gilmore 2.

McDonald has publicly spoken about the sequel several times and Swardson has said he’ll be playing a 1950s golfer. The comedian is a longtime friend of Sandler’s who has participated in dozens of roles for his production company Happy Madison Productions.

Sandler also half-joked that Dan Patrick — a longtime friend and collaborator — should make an appearance when he spoke to the radio personality in April 2024. “You’re definitely in it,” Sandler teased, adding, “We’ve got you right now playing you — playing o-Danny-boy, I call you. But you’re not happy with it.” Patrick kept the bit going saying, “No, I’ll do it."

In August 2024, Sandler revealed thatTravis Kelcejoined the cast of the movie during an appearance onThe Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, calling him a “very nice guy.”

While talking toIndiewirethat same month, Sandler confirmed that Benny Safdie would “have a juicy part” inHappy Gilmore 2as well.

The movie also held open auditions for extras to appear in the movie in Morristown, N.J., asNews 12reported.

When willHappy Gilmore 2be released?

Kevin Nealon, Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore.Universal Pictures/Everett

Universal Pictures/Everett

Netflix has not yet announced aHappy Gilmore 2release date.

The studio confirmed news of the movie on May 15, 2024, and Swardson said filming would begin in September. The comedian also mentioned some of the production would take place in New Jersey.

Where can I watchHappy Gilmore 2?

When Netflix confirmed that it was producing the long-awaited sequel in May 2024, they also confirmed the film would be available on its platform.

“Adam Sandler will reprise his iconic role in a brand new movie coming to Netflix,” the studio wrote on X.

Where doesHappy Gilmoreleave off?

HAPPY GILMORE, Julie Bowen, Frances Bay, Adam Sandler.Universal/Everett

Universal/Everett

The 1996 classic follows Gilmore, an unsuccessful ice hockey player with a forceful slapshot and a very short temper. After an impromptu long-drive competition, Happy discovers his hockey swing sets him up well for another sport: golf.

In need of some quick cash — his grandmother faces foreclosure on her house if she doesn’t pay off her debt — Gilmore enters a series of tours, finding a mentor in former golf star Chubbs Peterson (Carl Weathers) and an enemy in McGavin.

In the end, Gilmore prevails over his nemesis at the Tour Championship, winning back his grandmother’s house and even getting a vision from the heavens of his mentor Peterson, who passed away before the championships.

source: people.com