Happy Gilmore 2 is a streaming sensation—breaking records as Netflix’s biggest U.S. film opening ever and bringing back the legendary Adam Sandler alongside a sea of genre icons, surprise celebs, and golf superstars.
This essential cast and character guide reveals who’s in the club, old and new, and why these roles are sparking trends across social media and Google searches in 2025.
Main Cast & Core Characters
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Sandler | Happy Gilmore | The golf legend returns—older, struggling, and back for his daughter. |
| Julie Bowen | Virginia Gilmore | Happy’s late wife, whose memory drives Happy’s journey. |
| Christopher McDonald | Shooter McGavin | Happy’s eternal rival, still scheming on the golf course. |
| Ben Stiller | Hal L. | Now runs a support group, elevating his cult-favorite cameo. |
| Dennis Dugan | Doug Thompson | Commissioner of the golf tour and comedic voice of authority. |
| Kevin Nealon | Gary Potter | Eccentric pro golfer returns, delivering the laughs. |
Meet the New Faces
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Benny Safdie | Frank Manatee | Shady sports drink mogul and creator of “Maxi Golf.” |
| Benito “Bad Bunny” | Oscar | Happy’s clueless, meme-worthy new caddy. |
| Sunny Sandler | Vienna Gilmore | Happy’s ballet-dreaming daughter and his reason to fight. |
| Haley Joel Osment | Billy Jenkins | The surgically-enhanced “all-star” and Happy’s on-course rival. |
| Kym Whitley | Bessie | Hal L.’s support group member, adding heart and comedy. |
| Lavell Crawford | Slim Petersen | Son of Chubbs, now Happy’s new mentor—prosthetic hand included. |
| Blake Clark | Farmer Fran | A returning character from Sandler’s The Waterboy. |
Happy & Virginia’s Kids:
- Wayne Gilmore (Ethan Cutkosky)
- Gordie Gilmore (Maxwell Jacob Friedman)
- Bobby Gilmore (Philip Fine Schneider)
- Terry Gilmore (Conor Sherry)
Fan-Favorite Cameos & Viral Guest Appearances
Happy Gilmore 2 is packed with scene-stealing cameos and one-liners from an A-list roster:
- John Daly as himself – The golfing legend gets quirky, helping at the Gilmore house.
- Travis Kelce as a cocktail-serving waiter.
- Steve Buscemi, Eminem, Rory McIlroy, Eric André, Jackie Sandler, Sadie Sandler—and many more appear throughout as wild and unexpected cameos that have fans hitting “pause” and trending on social media.
The film pays homage to late show icons Bob Barker, Carl Weathers and Frances Bay—honoring their unforgettable roles from the original.
Why Happy Gilmore 2’s Cast Is Trending HARD
- The casting of new faces like Bad Bunny and Benny Safdie alongside Sandler’s real family (Sunny, Sadie, and Jackie Sandler) has helped the movie dominate TikTok and Twitter.
- Classic roles are back but given fresh storylines that touch on family, grief, and epic golf rivalries—fueling “Happy Gilmore daughter,” “Shooter McGavin comeback,” and “Frank Manatee villain” as major Google trends.
- Massive celebrity cameos keep fans guessing and re-watching for “blink-and-miss” moments, making the movie’s ensemble one of the most discussed on Netflix in 2025.
Happy Gilmore 2 is more than a sequel; it’s a star-studded comedy event and nostalgia-fueled celebration, packed with fresh energy and viral talent. The cast lineup is a who’s-who of comedy, sports, and pop culture—and it’s helping cement the film as one of the year’s biggest streaming hits. Add it to your watchlist and join the golf club’s wildest round yet!
About Happy Gilmore 2
Happy Gilmore 2, directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy, is the long-awaited sequel to the 1996 comedy classic. Adam Sandler reprises his role as Happy Gilmore, joined by original cast members Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, Allen Covert, and Dennis Dugan. New additions to the cast include Bad Bunny as Happy’s caddie, Margaret Qualley, and Maxwell Jacob Friedman, alongside cameos from pro golfers like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Lee Trevino. Celebrities such as Eminem, Travis Kelce, and Becky Lynch also make appearances.
The story follows Happy as he joins a senior golf tour, blending nostalgia with fresh humor. Filming began on September 9, 2024, in New Jersey, coinciding with Sandler’s 58th birthday, and wrapped on December 10, 2024. Locations included Bedminster’s country club, Montclair Golf Club, and various spots across New Jersey. Netflix will distribute the film, replacing Universal Pictures.
The sequel was greenlit in May 2024 after Sandler expressed interest in continuing Happy’s story. Christopher McDonald confirmed the script’s development in March 2024, with Sandler’s daughters, Sadie and Sunny, also joining the cast. Directed by Newacheck, the film promises to deliver the same quirky charm and laughs that made the original a fan favorite
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