The Return of Happy Gilmore: Adam Sandler to Reprise Iconic Role

Nearly 30 years after the original comedy hit theaters, Netflix has officially announced that Happy Gilmore is getting a long-awaited sequel with Adam Sandler set to reprise his iconic role as the hot-headed hockey player turned golf phenomenon.

The streaming giant confirmed the news during its Upfront presentation to advertisers on Wednesday, finally putting an end to months of rumors and speculation about a potential follow-up to the 1996 film. Details are still scarce, but fans can expect Sandler to bring back his signature outrageous antics and unorthodox golf swing for another round on the links.

Rumors of Happy Gilmore 2 first began swirling in March when Christopher McDonald, who played Sandler's rival Shooter McGavin in the original, revealed in a radio interview that Sandler had shown him a draft of the sequel script. McDonald expressed excitement at the prospect, saying "It's in the works. Fans demand it, dammit!"

Sandler's longtime collaborator Drew Barrymore, who co-starred in several films with him in the 90s, also teased the sequel's development during an episode of her talk show in April. "I'll just say this, from my source, that [Happy Gilmore 2] is in process," she told viewers cryptically.

The original Happy Gilmore was a surprise hit for Sandler in 1996, grossing over $41 million at the box office against a modest $12 million budget. The film followed Gilmore, a struggling hockey player who discovers he has an uncanny talent for driving golf balls immense distances despite his unconventional swing and hot temper. He joins the pro golf tour in an effort to earn enough prize money to prevent his grandmother's house from being repossessed.

While plot details are still under wraps, Sandler previously suggested in interviews that Happy Gilmore 2 could focus on the character's later years playing on the senior golf tour. "Wouldn't that be fun to do the senior tour of Happy Gilmore, and hang out with all those guys and try to write a great script about Happy as an older guy, and having to calm down his temper and all that stuff?" he mused in 2022.

No release date has been set for Happy Gilmore 2 yet, but with Netflix officially giving it the green light, production is likely still in the early stages. The original film's writers Sandler and Tim Herlihy are expected to collaborate on the script.

Rumoured Cast

In addition to Sandler, the 1996 film starred Christopher McDonald as the villainous Shooter McGavin, Julie Bowen as Gilmore's love interest, and the late greats Carl Weathers as Gilmore's mentor Chubbs and Bob Barker as a satirical version of himself. It's currently unknown which other original cast members may return for the sequel.

The upcoming sequel to "Happy Gilmore" will feature several new cast members alongside returning favorites.

Nothing has been confirmed yet but here are the rumoured new additions to the cast: (Take these rumours with a pinch of salt for now)

1. Tiger Woods - He is set to play Chubbs Peterson Jr., the son of the original Chubbs Peterson, who was portrayed by the late Carl Weathers.
2. Paige Spiranac - The professional golfer and social media personality will play the role of the "Public Relations Lady".
3. Sydney Sweeney - The actress known for her roles in "Euphoria" and "The White Lotus" will play the "Cart Girl".
4. Will Zalatoris - The professional golfer will take on the role of Gilmore's caddy.

Regardless of what antics Happy Gilmore gets up to in the sequel, the announcement has already sent shockwaves of excitement through Sandler's fanbase.

Unfiltered's Take

The original film has developed a massive cult following over the years, with iconic scenes and quotes still referenced constantly in popular culture nearly three decades later.

Netflix is surely hoping that nostalgia will drive viewers to tune in for Gilmore's return to the world of professional golf.

We are certainly excited about the sequel but hope the sequel doesn't trash the originals legacy.