Three Decades Later, the Cult Classic Returns with a New Story and Pro Golfer Cameos
July 25, 2025: Nearly three decades after Adam Sandler introduced the world to the hockey-player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore, the iconic character is making his highly anticipated return. “Happy Gilmore 2” is set to debut on Netflix this Friday, poised to be one of the summer’s most anticipated streaming releases.
The idea for the original 1996 film, co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, stemmed from Sandler’s childhood experiences at the driving range, watching his hockey-playing friend effortlessly blast golf balls. This sparked the concept of a character with a “hockey player mentality” on the golf course, leading to the signature “hop, skip and a hit” swing.
Despite initial mixed critical reviews upon its February 1996 release—with critics calling it “boorish” and “dumber and dumbest”—Happy Gilmore became a box-office success, grossing $39 million in the U.S. and Canada. Through reruns and DVDs, it solidified its place as a cult classic, celebrated by generations of golfers and fans of goofy ’90s comedy. Actors like Benny Safdie, who co-directed Sandler in Uncut Gems, cite it as one of their favorite movies.
Avoiding the Sequel Curse: A New Chapter for Happy
Sandler was well aware of the common pitfalls of comedy sequels, but a new concept for Happy’s story finally resonated. In Happy Gilmore 2, co-written by Sandler and Herlihy, Happy is a decorated, retired golfer with four children. After a tragic incident and falling on hard times, he’s drawn back into the world of golf, this time as an insider, motivated to protect the sport he once scorned. Benny Safdie co-stars as the founder of Maxi Golf, a new, circus-like tour for long hitters.
The sequel also features numerous cameos from professional golfers, including several legends, and other celebrities like Travis Kelce and Bad Bunny. The day after winning the British Open, Scottie Scheffler even flew to New York for the premiere, highlighting the film’s broad appeal within the golf community.
The “Happy Gilmore” swing has become a staple on golf courses worldwide, with Herlihy and Sandler noting how often pros attempt it, sometimes with surprisingly effective results, as seen with Bryson DeChambeau’s 360-yard blast. Sandler even recalls asking his father if the unconventional swing was legal, to which his father replied, “I don’t see why not.” This iconic swing may well outlive the movies, as kids everywhere continue to try it, hoping for a laugh and perhaps a perfect drive.