Almost 30 years later, Happy Gilmore is back on the golf course in the much-anticipated sequel now streaming on Netflix. The new film is packed with celebrity cameos, nostalgic callbacks, and heartfelt tributes that have fans hitting pause.
A Moving Tribute to Cameron Boyce
One of the most touching moments in the film is a subtle nod to the late Disney star, Cameron Boyce. Boyce, who played Adam Sandler’s son Keithie in the Grown Ups movies, is honored in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scene.
As Happy walks past a check-in booth, a TV in the background briefly shows a scene from Disney’s “Jessie,” where Boyce starred as Luke Ross from 2011 to 2015. This quiet, emotional tribute has brought many fans to tears.
The Sandler Family Takes the Screen
Adam Sandler brought his entire family along for the ride in “Happy Gilmore 2.” His wife, Jackie Sandler, appears as Vienna’s dance teacher, while his daughter Sunny plays Vienna herself.
Daughter Sadie takes on the role of an undercover FBI agent embedded in Happy’s support group. Even Sandler’s mother, in-laws, and cousin make brief, fun appearances, making it a true family affair.
Eminem Steps Up to the Heckle
Fans of the original film will remember Joe Flaherty’s iconic heckler, who famously shouted “Jackass!” at Happy. Though Flaherty passed away in 2024, his spirit lives on through a surprising cameo.
Rapper Eminem takes over the role, dressed in the same hat and beard, delivering the classic insult on the golf course. But this time, Happy gets the ultimate revenge as Eminem’s character faces a wild consequence involving alligators.
Hal L. Returns, Still Shady
Ben Stiller reprises his role as Hal L., the notoriously sleazy retirement home orderly from the first film. In the sequel, Hal is back, running a dubious support group called “Alkies for Life.”
He hasn’t changed a bit, still masking abuse as therapy to cut corners. However, thanks to Sadie Sandler’s character, the tables finally turn on Hal, and he gets a long-overdue reckoning.
Honoring the Past
The film is filled with other significant nods to the original and real-life figures. In one scene, Happy and Shooter engage in a brawl over the graves of beloved characters and actors who have passed.
Among the names on the tombstones are Bob Barker (who passed in 2023), Carl Weathers (Chubbs, 2024), and Happy’s Grandma (Frances Bay, 2011).
Additionally, the movie features Happy appearing on “Saturday Night Live” after regaining fame, a direct nod to Adam Sandler’s own career on the show from 1990 to 1995. Carl Weathers’ character, Chubbs, is also honored through the introduction of his son, Slim (played by Lavell Crawford), who shares his father’s wooden hand, albeit lost to a vending machine instead of an alligator.
Will There Be a Happy Gilmore 3?
While Netflix hasn’t confirmed a third installment, the post-credit scene offers a few intriguing hints. It reveals that Frank Manatee’s Maxi Golf League has been disbanded, leaving an open ending for potential future stories.
However, director Kyle Newacheck seemed cautious about a quick turnaround, noting the 29-year gap between the first and second films. Ultimately, the decision rests with Adam Sandler, who co-wrote, produced, and starred in the sequel.
