Happy Gilmore 2, released in 2025, is a riotous and heartfelt sequel that picks up nearly three decades after the original cult classic. Directed by Kyle Newacheck and written by Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy, the film reunites audiences with the irrepressible Happy Gilmore, played once again by Sandler, in a story that blends outrageous comedy, emotional depth, and a surprising dose of sports drama.
The film opens with Happy far removed from his glory days on the golf course. Now a middle-aged father, he’s traded his clubs for a grocery store apron, working a mundane job while raising his youngest child, Vienna. Life has taken a toll on Happy—he’s out of shape, out of practice, and out of patience. But when Vienna earns a chance to attend an elite ballet school in Paris, Happy is faced with a daunting financial challenge. With tuition costs soaring, he’s forced to consider the one thing he swore he’d never do again: return to professional golf.
Julie Bowen reprises her role as Virginia Venit, Happy’s steadfast partner, whose influence continues to shape his journey. Though her presence is more spiritual than physical in this chapter, Virginia remains a grounding force in Happy’s chaotic world. Bowen’s performance is tender and nuanced, offering a quiet counterbalance to Sandler’s explosive energy.
Christopher McDonald returns as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s longtime nemesis. Now older and slightly more eccentric, Shooter is still as smug and competitive as ever. But time has softened some of his edges, and his reappearance in Happy’s life brings unexpected twists. McDonald’s portrayal is both hilarious and surprisingly poignant, adding layers to a character once defined solely by arrogance.
The film introduces a new antagonist in Frank Manatee, played by Benny Safdie, the CEO of a flashy energy drink company and founder of a rival golf league called Maxi Golf. Frank’s vision of golf is extreme, commercialized, and dangerous—everything Happy despises. As Happy reenters the sport, he finds himself not only fighting for his daughter’s future but also defending the integrity of the game he once loved.
Happy Gilmore 2 is packed with cameos from real-life golf legends and celebrities, including Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Scottie Scheffler, who appear as themselves in a high-stakes tournament that pits traditional golfers against Maxi Golf’s enhanced athletes. These appearances add authenticity and excitement, blurring the line between fiction and reality in a way that fans of the sport will appreciate.
The film’s comedic tone is classic Sandler—raucous, irreverent, and full of slapstick—but it also explores deeper themes of redemption, legacy, and fatherhood. Happy’s relationship with Vienna, played by Sunny Sandler, is the emotional core of the story. Their bond is sweet and believable, and Sunny’s performance brings warmth and sincerity to the film.
Visually, Happy Gilmore 2 is vibrant and dynamic. The golf sequences are shot with flair, incorporating slow-motion drives, chaotic cart chases, and even a few surreal hallucinations. The contrast between the traditional courses and the garish, obstacle-filled Maxi Golf arenas underscores the film’s central conflict between authenticity and spectacle.
The soundtrack, composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams, blends orchestral swells with rock anthems and nostalgic callbacks to the original film. It enhances both the comedic and emotional beats, guiding viewers through Happy’s rollercoaster journey with finesse.
Supporting characters like Oscar Mejías, Happy’s new caddie played by Bad Bunny, and Hal L., a hilariously sinister rehab counselor portrayed by Ben Stiller, add layers of absurdity and charm. The ensemble cast is sprawling, with over 100 credited roles, yet the film manages to keep its focus tight and its pacing brisk.
Happy Gilmore 2 doesn’t just revisit old jokes—it builds on them, recontextualizing familiar catchphrases and gags in ways that feel fresh and earned. It’s a sequel that respects its roots while daring to evolve, offering fans both nostalgia and novelty.
Happy Gilmore 2 is a 2025 comedy.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 52.
