When Does Happy Gilmore 2 Come Out?

Film Feature by Chris Olson

Ah, Happy Gilmore 2. The very mention of it sends a ripple through the cinematic landscape, a tremor of anticipation mixed with that familiar, nagging whisper of caution: can back-to-back holes in one happen?

For those of us who came of age with Adam Sandler’s peculiar brand of chaotic charm, the first Happy Gilmore wasn't just a film; it was a phenomenon. And now, almost three decades later, the golf-club-wielding, hockey-loving, anger-management-challenged anti-hero is back. And mark your calendars, folks, because the rumour mill has solidified into concrete fact:

Happy Gilmore 2 is set to release on Netflix on July 25th, 2025.

It’s a date that’s had film critics and casual viewers alike buzzing for months. The original, released in 1996, was a brilliant concoction of Sandler's signature slapstick, surprisingly endearing character work, and a genuine underdog story. Happy (played by Adam Sandler), a failed ice hockey player with a cannon for a slapshot and a temper as volatile as a volatile thing, inadvertently stumbles into the world of professional golf. His sole motivation? To win enough prize money to save his beloved grandmother's house from foreclosure. It’s a premise that’s both absurd and deeply relatable, creating a comedic alchemy that resonated with audiences.

The cast, of course, was integral to its success. Adam Sandler, in his prime, delivered a performance that perfectly encapsulated the lovable brute. Then there was Christopher McDonald as the smarmy, perpetually infuriating Shooter McGavin, the quintessential golf villain you loved to hate. Julie Bowen as the charming public relations director Virginia Venit provided the romantic interest, a calming counterpoint to Happy's tempestuous nature. And who could forget Ben Stiller's uncredited, yet unforgettable, turn as the sadistic orderly Hal? The beauty of Happy Gilmore was how it allowed these diverse comedic talents to play off each other, creating genuinely memorable moments.

Now, with the sequel, the good news is that many of these familiar faces are returning. Adam Sandler, naturally, reprises his role as Happy. Christopher McDonald is back as Shooter McGavin, much to the delight of those who relish a good villain. Julie Bowen returns as Virginia Venit, and even Ben Stiller is confirmed to be back as Hal. There’s a comforting sense of continuity there, a promise that the core essence of the first film will be preserved. But the film also boasts some intriguing new additions. The likes of Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, and even Eminem are slated to appear in various roles or cameos, which certainly adds a contemporary flavour and broadens the film's appeal beyond just the nostalgic. It speaks to the enduring cultural impact of the original that such diverse talents want to be a part of its legacy.

Golf films, as a genre, are a curious beast. They often fall into two camps: the earnest, inspirational dramas like The Greatest Game Ever Played or The Legend of Bagger Vance, which aim for a more poignant reflection on the sport and life itself, or the outright comedies that revel in the absurdity of the game, much like Caddyshack. Happy Gilmore firmly cemented itself in the latter camp, pushing the boundaries of what a golf comedy could be. It wasn't just about golf; it was about smashing conventions, about an outsider disrupting a stuffy, elitist world with raw, unbridled passion (and a few well-placed insults). It took the inherent frustrations of golf and amplified them to hilariously over-the-top levels.

The challenge for Happy Gilmore 2 lies in recapturing that magic. The comedic landscape has shifted, and audience expectations have evolved. Will Sandler's brand of humour still hit the mark? Will the film find new ways to lampoon the golf world without feeling dated? The fact that it’s landing on Netflix on July 25th, 2025, means it will have an immediate, global audience, a testament to the enduring power of the original. There’s no pressure, then. Only the weight of nearly three decades of anticipation. My hope, as a critic and a long-time admirer of Happy Gilmore’s unique approach to the fairway, is that it finds its footing, embraces its inherent silliness, and delivers another memorable slice of cinematic joy. Because sometimes, a bit of glorious, unpretentious chaos is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Watch the Happy Gilmore 2 Official Trailer.