If you’ve ever found yourself quoting lines from a golf comedy while waiting for your morning coffee, you’re not alone. Nearly three decades after Adam Sandler first swung his way into pop culture, Happy Gilmore is making a comeback—and the buzz around the sequel is building fast. There’s something undeniably fun about watching a lovable underdog get another chance, and that’s exactly what Happy Gilmore 2 seems ready to deliver.
The first Happy Gilmore, released in 1996, was not merely a sports comedy—it was a cultural phenomenon. Sandler’s depiction of the hot-headed, hockey-playing golfer who goes head-to-head against the staid world of professional golf resonated with anyone who’s ever felt they didn’t quite belong. With its ideal combination of ridiculous humor, unexpectedly touching scenes, and infinitely quotable dialogue, the movie became a staple for movie nights, college dorm rooms, and re-watches during weekends. As Netflix’s Tudum correctly states, Sandler fans have long been waiting for this sequel, nd they’re ready.
And one of the biggest reasons fans are so stoked? The original cast and creative team are reuniting. Adam Sandler reprises the role, with Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald also returning, the latter’s performance as brash Shooter McGavin still a crowd-pleaser. Tim Herlihy is co-writing again behind the scenes, as executive producer is Dennis Dugan, and familiar partners Jack Giarraputo and Robert Simonds are producing. Kyle Newacheck, who collaborated with Sandler on Murder Mystery, is filling in as director, ensuring the sequel is as much a continuation as possible.
But Happy Gilmore 2 isn’t catching just the nostalgia wave—it’s introducing fresh energy as well. Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) rounds out the ensemble, along with Sandler’s daughters, Sadie and Sunny, and a stacked roster of comedians and up-and-coming talent such as Eric André, Margaret Qualley, and Benny Safdie. The film is also cross-pollinating the comedy and sports genres by bringing on real-life golf professionals, including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, and Will Zalatoris. Even John Daly and Paige Spiranac are having some fun, sprinkling a lighthearted dose of reality into the golfing world the movie satirizes.
The hype surrounding Happy Gilmore 2 is not merely about seeing people again—it’s about reconnecting with a tale that’s always been one of perseverance, self-confidence, and staying true to oneself, no matter what the world believes about you. The enduring popularity of the original film is in that message. It got us laughing, yes—but it also got us cheering on the outsider who refused to play by the rules. With some of golf’s biggest stars and a whole new generation of golf fans eager to see Happy return to the links, this sequel is more than just a movie. It’s a reminder why we continue to root for the underdog—and why all of us can use a do-over at greatness now and then.