Key Takeaways:
- Happy Gilmore 2 releases on Netflix July 25.
- The trailer promises nostalgia but lacks originality and laughs.
- Adam Sandler and Christopher McDonald return, but the footage feels stale.
- Kyle Newacheck directs, replacing Dennis Dugan from the original.
- The sequel hopes to recapture the magic of the 1996 classic.
The Wait Is Over: Happy Gilmore 2 Is Coming
After years of rumors, Happy Gilmore 2 is finally hitting Netflix on July 25. The trailer dropped today, and while it’s packed with familiar faces, it’s hard not to feel underwhelmed. The legacy sequel leans heavily on nostalgia, offering little in the way of fresh ideas or humor.
The trailer reunites fans with Adam Sandler’s iconic character, now sporting a beard, as he faces off against his old rival Shooter McGavin. Julie Bowen returns as Happy’s love interest, and Ben Stiller’s Hal makes a brief but forgettable cameo. However, the jokes fall flat, with one awkward scene showing an older Happy awkwardly touching his chest—a moment that’s more cringeworthy than funny.
Does Adam Sandler Still Have It?
Adam Sandler has been on a roll with Netflix, starring in 12 original movies as part of his $250 million deal. But let’s be honest—most of them have been hit or miss. While The Meyerowitz Stories and Hustle were standouts, the rest felt like rehashed ideas.
In the Happy Gilmore 2 trailer, Sandler looks tired, both physically and mentally. It’s as if he’s going through the motions, which might leave fans worried that his signature energy is fading.
A New Director Takes the Reins
Dennis Dugan, who directed the original Happy Gilmore, isn’t returning for the sequel. Instead, Kyle Newacheck is stepping in. Newacheck is no stranger to Netflix or Sandler, having directed the surprisingly successful Murder Mystery, which once sat at 83 million views. However, his involvement here doesn’t guarantee a home run, especially with the trailer failing to impress.
The Original Film’s Legacy
The first Happy Gilmore wasn’t a box office smash when it came out in 1996, earning just $38 million. But it found new life on home video and became one of Sandler’s most beloved roles. The film introduced the world to a failing hockey player who trades his stick for a golf club, becoming an unlikely star on the pro tour.
For many fans, Happy Gilmore is more than just a movie—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Quotes like “It’s all in the hips” and “Cinderella story” are deeply ingrained in pop culture. The sequel has big shoes to fill, and based on the trailer, it’s unclear if it’s up to the task.
The Cast Is Stacked, But Does It Matter?
The sequel boasts an impressive ensemble, including Benny Safdie, Bad Bunny, Nick Swardson, Margaret Qualley, and NFL star Travis Kelce. But even with such a talented lineup, the real question is whether the story can justify its existence. Is this a legitimate sequel, or is it just a lazy cash grab?
Will Fans Show Up?
Here’s the thing: Adam Sandler’s fanbase is loyal, and Happy Gilmore is one of his most iconic characters. People will tune in out of curiosity alone. But for the sequel to succeed, it needs to deliver more than just nostalgia. It needs heart, humor, and a reason to care about Happy’s next chapter.
If the trailer is any indication, Happy Gilmore 2 might end up feeling like a rehash of the original without the charm. However, Sandler has surprised us before. Let’s hold out hope that when the movie drops on July 25, it reminds us why we fell in love with Happy Gilmore in the first place.
Until then, let’s cross our fingers that this legacy sequel lives up to the hype—or at least makes us laugh.
