Happy Gilmore 2 Hits Netflix — But the Sequel Almost Didn’t Happen

Adam Sandler returns in a tribute-heavy sequel that honors a fan-favorite and updates the franchise for a new generation

After nearly three decades, Happy Gilmore 2 has officially landed on Netflix, and while the laughs are back, this sequel almost didn’t happen.

Following the death of Carl Weathers, who portrayed the iconic Chubbs Peterson, Adam Sandler and his team completely rewrote the script to pay tribute to the late actor. It’s a rare sequel that balances slapstick golf humor with a surprisingly emotional core — and fans are already debating whether it sticks the landing.

A Sequel Rewritten After Loss

Sandler recently revealed that Happy Gilmore 2 originally followed a much sillier path — until the passing of Weathers changed everything. The creative team decided the film needed to honor Chubbs properly, shifting the tone and structure of the story.

“He was the soul of that movie,” Sandler said in a recent interview.

The result is a film that feels familiar in style but carries a layer of heart missing from most recent comedies.

Cameos, Chaos, and Gen-Z Humor

This time around, Happy isn’t just battling his temper or rival golfers. He’s also sharing screen time with unexpected modern cameos — including Bad Bunny, Eminem, and Travis Kelce. The film doesn’t try to pretend it’s 1996 again. Instead, it leans into self-aware humor and current cultural references.

Some fans are loving the blend of old and new. Others feel it skews too far toward TikTok-style absurdity. But either way, it’s keeping people talking.

Audience Reaction: Mixed but Massive

Less than 24 hours after release, Happy Gilmore 2 is trending on Netflix UK. Early data shows:

• Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes: 71%

• Critics’ Tomatometer: 48%

The divide is clear — longtime fans are enjoying the nostalgia, while critics are more reserved. Still, Sandler’s loyal audience seems to be showing up.

If you’re unsure how to read those scores, I broke it down in my Rotten Tomatoes rating explainer.

Where to Watch and What to Expect

You can stream Happy Gilmore 2 now on Netflix. Expect a mix of:

• Classic Gilmore-style outbursts

• A heartfelt subplot surrounding Chubbs

• Visual nods to the original film

• Fast-paced, meme-ready energy

If you're in the mood for more sports comedy, check out my recent feature on the Top 10 Sports Movies That Don’t Take Themselves Too Seriously.

Final Word

Happy Gilmore 2 doesn’t try to reinvent the game — but it does offer a more thoughtful, emotionally aware sequel than expected. Sandler proves he still knows how to connect with audiences, even when he's not smashing a ball through a clown's mouth.

This isn’t just fan service. It’s fan farewell. And for that reason alone, it deserves a spot on your watchlist.

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