Ben Stiller is set to reprise his beloved role from the iconic 1996 film “Happy Gilmore” in the highly anticipated sequel titled “Happy Gilmore 2.” This follow-up to Adam Sandler’s classic sports comedy is being produced by Netflix, which has taken the project under its wing. Currently, filming is taking place in various locations throughout New Jersey, generating excitement among fans of the original movie.
The cast is shaping up to feature a blend of familiar faces and new additions, further enriching the comedic landscape of the film. Alongside Sandler and Stiller, Christopher McDonald will return as the infamous pro-golfer Shooter McGavin, a character that became synonymous with rivalries in golf comedies. Julie Bowen will reprise her role as Virginia Venit, Sandler’s character Happy’s love interest. The cast will also introduce several new characters, played by a diverse group of talents including comedian Nick Swardson, filmmaker Benny Safdie, global music sensation Bad Bunny, actress Margaret Qualley, and NFL superstar Travis Kelce, who is expected to add a unique flair to the film.
Netflix has yet to provide any commentary regarding Stiller’s casting or additional details about the movie, leaving fans eager for further insights.
The original “Happy Gilmore” was a significant success, establishing Adam Sandler as one of the top comedy figures of his era. It grossed approximately $40 million worldwide against a modest budget of only $12 million. The film follows the story of Happy Gilmore, a hot-headed hockey player who discovers he has a natural talent for golf. Driven by his desperation to save his grandmother’s house from foreclosure, he enters a golf tournament, showcasing his unconventional style and drawing attention for both his flair and temper.
In the first installment, Stiller portrayed Hal, a nursing home orderly who manipulates Happy’s perception of the care his grandmother receives in a retirement home, adding layers of humor and conflict to the plot. His return in the sequel is confirmed by the name tag he’s been spotted wearing in recent paparazzi photos from the set.
While specifics about the storyline for “Happy Gilmore 2” remain under wraps, Adam Sandler offered fans a glimpse into the plot during an appearance on Kelce’s New Heights podcast in August. He revealed that the story will follow an older version of Happy as he navigates new challenges in life. “The movie itself picks up from an older guy who played golf a long time,” Sandler teased. “Some stuff goes on in his life, and he’s different. He’s a bit of a mess. And then we try to get his life cooking again.” This hints at a deeper character exploration while maintaining the comedic spirit that made the original film a classic.