Happy Gilmore 2 debuted on Netflix nearly three decades after the original 1996 film, featuring Scottie Scheffler and other sports stars in several cameo roles. The sequel, starring Adam Sandler, follows Happy Gilmore’s return to golf to fund his daughter’s entry into a prestigious dance academy, but audience reactions have been mixed regarding the movie‘s overall quality.
The Storyline and Returning Characters in Happy Gilmore 2
Adam Sandler reprises his role as Happy Gilmore, now a retired golfer, who makes a comeback laid out to support his daughter’s dreams. Christopher McDonald returns as Shooter McGavin, this time portrayed as a defeated rival with a more tragic edge, and Julie Bowen appears as Virginia, Happy’s late wife. New additions include Bad Bunny playing Oscar Mejías, Happy’s caddie, as well as Benny Safdie as Frank Manatee, the CEO of Maxi Energy Drink.
Filming primarily took place in New Jersey, and the storyline expands by introducing a rival golf league, which some viewers felt weakened the plot. Happy’s family is also prominently featured, with Sandler’s real-life daughters Sunny and Sadie playing his daughters Vienna and Charlotte, while his wife Jackie Sandler plays the family’s dance teacher, Monica. Additionally, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Ethan Cutkosky, Philip Fine Schneider, and Conor Sherry appear as his sons.
Prominent Athletes and Celebrities Make Varied Cameos
Happy Gilmore 2 includes an impressive roster of sports personalities from golf and other athletic fields. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Bryson DeChambeau, and LPGA star Nelly Korda all appear in the film. Legendary golfers such as Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Jordan Spieth, and Charley Hull also join the lineup, either as themselves or in fictionalized roles.
Other notable cameo appearances come from athletes like John Daly, who plays a hermit living in Happy’s garage, and a collection of stars from the NFL, <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA, and WWE. Haley Joel Osment portrays Billy Jenkins, a young player for the rival Maxi Golf team, joined by teammates including Oliver Hudson, Reggie Bush, Becky Lynch, and Boban Marjanović. Celebrity cameos also feature Eminem as Donald Jr., the son of the original movie’s heckler, alongside Kevin Nealon, Dennis Dugan, Jon Lovitz, Steve Buscemi, Rob Schneider, and Paige Spiranac.
Mixed Responses from Fans After Premiere
Following the film‘s release on July 25, fan reviews on social media reflected a wide range of opinions, with many praising the star-studded lineup, especially the golfer cameos, but criticizing the story itself. One viewer commented,
“Meh but enjoyed the cameos. Scottie locked up was good.”
Another posted,
“Objectively a pretty bad movie. But had its fun moments. The golfer cameos were fun. Scottie absolutely killed it.”
A user compared it to online content:
“It was like YouTube video but a good one.”
Others gave more moderate ratings, such as one user who said,
“I’d say 7/10, was never going to beat the original but it had its moments. Loved the cameos!”
However, some fans were less impressed. One remarked,
“I loved it but the storyline turned lame when they introduced the other golf league.”
And another viewer’s reaction was blunt:
“Embarrassing
Budget and Production Details Highlight Ambition
Happy Gilmore 2 reportedly had a budget of approximately $30 million, more than double the estimated $12 million spent on the original movie. The increased production value shows in the extensive cast and location shooting in New Jersey, contributing to a more contemporary take on the beloved character’s world.
The film’s inclusion of real sports legends and celebrities blurs the line between fiction and reality, enhancing its appeal to fans of golf and other sports. This blend of nostalgia and star power stands as a key draw for viewers, even as the film divides opinion.
What the Film Means for Fans and Future Projects
Although Scottie Scheffler and other athlete cameos garnered appreciation, the mixed reception illustrates the difficulty of living up to an original cult classic, especially with a long gap between releases. The sequel’s performance and fan feedback may affect how similar projects are developed in the future, particularly regarding balancing star appearances with compelling storytelling.
For now, Happy Gilmore 2 offers audiences a blend of humor, celebrity appearances, and nostalgia, but it remains to be seen if it will earn a lasting place alongside the original film in popular culture.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Scottie Scheffler upset about?
A. The PGA of America chose not to allow “preferred lies,” which means players must play the ball where it lands. Scheffler was upset with this decision, saying that mud on the ball adds randomness to the game.
Q. What did Rory McIlroy say about Scottie Scheffler?
A. After winning the Green Jacket, he confessed, “I cried like a baby earlier today. I was extremely stressed and felt unsure about what to do. I was sitting with Meredith, telling her, ‘I don’t think I’m prepared for this.'”