Happy Gilmore 2 Swings Big

Nearly three decades after Adam Sandler first introduced us to his hockey-stick-swinging, rage-prone golf prodigy, Happy Gilmore has returned — and in spectacular fashion. The sequel, Happy Gilmore 2, landed on Netflix on July 25, 2025, and it didn’t just make a splash — it cannonballed into streaming history.

In its first weekend alone, the film racked up a jaw-dropping 46.7 million views, setting a record for the biggest U.S. opening ever for a Netflix movie. Not bad for a guy with a terrible swing and a mean right hook. Fans were clearly ready for more Happy, and Sandler delivered — bringing back beloved characters, adding some wild new twists, and turning the dial up on celebrity cameos in a way only he can.

Back to the Green

Happy Gilmore 2 isn’t just a sequel — it’s a full-blown nostalgic reunion. Sandler reprises his role as the short-tempered golfer with a heart of gold, and he’s joined by many of the original cast: Christopher McDonald returns as the wonderfully arrogant Shooter McGavin, Julie Bowen is back as Virginia Venit, and Ben Stiller once again plays the creepily overbearing Hal, the nursing home orderly you love to hate.

And if you’re wondering whether Sandler brought his family along for the ride — of course he did. His real-life daughters Sadie and Sunny Sandler play Happy’s kids, while his wife Jackie makes an appearance as their ballet teacher. It’s classic Sandler — heartwarming and chaotic all at once.

A Wild Parade of Cameos

What truly sets Happy Gilmore 2 apart, though, is the absolutely bonkers list of cameos. Over 70 celebrities pop up throughout the film — a mix of athletes, musicians, actors, and, in some cases, just Sandler’s famous buddies showing up for a laugh.

The golf world shows up in full force. Legends like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, Jack Nicklaus, and Nelly Korda all make appearances. It’s like a mini PGA Tour tucked inside a comedy movie. Even Lee Trevino, a cameo favorite from the original film, gets his moment to shine again.

Then there are the surprises: Travis Kelce, fresh off another Super Bowl season, shows up in a dream sequence that no one saw coming — wearing nothing but an apron and dripping in honey. It’s weird, hilarious, and exactly what you’d expect from a Sandler flick. Reggie Bush, Becky Lynch, Nikki Garcia, and a few NHL tough guys like Sean Avery and Chris Chelios also join the fun, mostly to cause trouble and keep Happy on his toes.

And the music world didn’t want to miss out either. Cameos from Eminem, Post Malone, Kid Cudi, and Cam’ron add even more randomness to the mix. Guy Fieri, Eric André, Steve Buscemi, and Hot Ones host Sean Evans make quick — and hilarious — appearances that feel like fever dreams in the best way possible.

The Power of Nostalgia (and a Lot of Celebs)

Despite the madness, Happy Gilmore 2 isn’t just a chaotic cameo carousel. At its heart, it’s a tribute to what made the original film so beloved: an underdog story packed with over-the-top humor and just enough heart to make it hit home. Sandler leans into that nostalgia, but he doesn’t rely on it. Instead, he builds on it — introducing a new generation (played, conveniently, by his actual children) and proving that Happy still has plenty of swing left in him.

With no traditional product tie-ins or flashy brand sponsorships, Netflix handled all the marketing muscle behind the scenes. And clearly, it worked. This movie exploded out of the gate thanks to word of mouth, meme-worthy moments, and the sheer power of a Sandler-led sports comedy returning to the screen.

If Happy Gilmore 2 proves anything, it’s that Adam Sandler still knows exactly how to tap into the chaotic, cameo-packed magic that fans love. It’s nostalgic without being stale, ridiculous without losing its charm, and packed to the brim with celebrity surprises that keep you guessing who might show up next.