Adam Sandler is swinging back into action as Netflix gears up to release the highly anticipated sequel, Happy Gilmore 2. The film, a follow-up to the 1996 cult favourite, is set to debut on the streaming service this summer. With a star-studded cast, a blend of nostalgic humour, and a dash of modern flair, Happy Gilmore 2 promises to be a fresh and exciting chapter in Sandler’s comedy legacy.
The release date was officially confirmed in a new trailer, teasing the return of familiar faces and the introduction of new characters. In true Happy Gilmore style, the trailer opens with a humorous dig at his own iconic character, as Happy reacts in horror to a bust of his head placed alongside real-life golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. "What is that?" Gilmore quips in his signature blunt style. "What's with the beaver teeth?"
Fans of the original will be thrilled to see the return of key characters. Julie Bowen reprises her role as Virginia Venit, Happy’s ever-supportive love interest and former PGA Tour publicist. Christopher McDonald is back as the villainous Shooter McGavin, Gilmore’s nemesis on and off the golf course, whose rivalry with Happy will once again take centre stage. Ben Stiller also returns as Hal, delivering his iconic dry wit in a brief but impactful appearance.
The highly anticipated sequel, Happy Gilmore 2
The trailer teases plenty of laughs and chaotic moments, one of which features global music sensation Bad Bunny breaking a golf club over his knee in a fit of frustration. Bad Bunny, known for his genre-defying music, steps into the world of comedy for this role, offering a fresh twist on the sports rivalry that was central to the original film. His unpredictable energy on-screen hints at a new generation of golfers who will challenge Gilmore’s outdated methods.
The star power doesn’t stop there. Blake Clark, a frequent collaborator with Sandler, makes a shirtless cameo in the trailer that recalls his role as Farmer Fran in The Waterboy. Fans can expect a healthy dose of that same slapstick humour that made Sandler’s films of the 1990s so beloved.
Sandler has teased additional cameos, with real-life golf legends like Jack Nicklaus set to make appearances. In a recent interview, Sandler also confirmed that Eminem will appear in the film, marking a rare comedic role for the rapper. "Eminem’s a great guy, and he was hilarious on set," Sandler said on The Dan Patrick Show. "We just shot for a day, and he gave us so much material to work with. It’s going to be tough to pick what we keep in the final cut."
The new cast additions also include Margaret Qualley, star of The Substance, who confessed on The Tonight Show that her role in the film was secured through a little white lie. "My husband, Jack, told Adam I was good at golf," she joked. "I’m terrible! I’ve never played in my life, but it’s a small part, so hopefully, no one notices."
The sequel’s plot sees Happy Gilmore returning to the PGA Tour after years away from the sport, determined to prove that his unconventional style can still dominate the modern game. However, he faces stiff competition from younger players, including Bad Bunny’s character, whose rebellious attitude threatens to upend the traditional rules of golf. Old rivalries are rekindled, and the feud between Gilmore and Shooter McGavin reaches new heights, leading to what promises to be an epic showdown on the green.
While Happy Gilmore 2 is poised to deliver the nostalgic laughs that fans have been waiting for, it also explores themes of resilience, the passage of time, and the clash between old-school grit and the flashier world of modern sports. Sandler, who co-wrote the screenplay with Tim Herlihy, described the film as a "love letter" to the fans of the original. "We wanted to bring back everything people loved about Happy, but also show how he’s grown. There’s heart in this one too," Sandler said.
Happy Gilmore 2 will begin streaming on Netflix on July 25, and it looks set to bring a fresh dose of laughs, nostalgia, and golf-course chaos. Get ready to tee off with Happy Gilmore once more, as he takes on a new generation of golfers with his trademark swagger and a swing that’s still as unpredictable as ever.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.