The story of a hockey player becoming a golfer to pay for his grandmother's overdue taxes doesn't sound like the setup for a successful movie, but it is. Happy Gilmore surpassed expectations in the 90s, becoming one of Adam Sandler's most widely known films, and there's more to come.
Netflix recently released a trailer for the sequel, reigniting a tale that began over twenty years ago. A lot happens in the thirty seconds of actual screen time shown, and it's worth unpacking.
For one, Happy has a new caddy. Neither the teen from Happy Gilmore nor Otto is beside him in the latest tournament he's competing in, which raises the question of what happened to the previous pair.
In all likelihood, the explanation has to do with casting. Neither actor has been active recently, and Covert hasn't had an acting part since 2022. Sandler has consistently cast Covert in his movies, though it appears his industry pal is stepping away. That can change, and perhaps Covert's Otto returns for a cameo. Happy Gilmore 2's cast is stacked from top to bottom.
Secondly, Happy is alongside a group of young people in an overhead camera shot for something that suggests a significant moment. They can be angled that way for any number of reasons, though it stands to reason they're all young golfers. The group of teens could also be Happy's kids. They all have curly hair and similar facial structures, which could indicate their family ties.
Third off, Julie Bowen is back as Happy's love interest, Virginia. While the details surrounding her part are scarce, Virginia probably married Happy following the first movie's events. Getting married and having kids would explain why Happy is beside a cadre of kids earlier in the trailer. They share an intimate kiss in the trailer, too, so there's more evidence to the claim that the Gilmore clan multiplied.
Fourthly, everyone's favorite male nurse has returned as well. Ben Stiller is back as Nurse Hal. He's probably not in the movie to care for Happy's grandmother. She's likely passed away by this point in the movie timeline, and Frances Bay—the actress who portrayed Happy's grandmother in the first film—passed away in 2011.
Nonetheless, Hal is back, and fans spotted the character in a humorous interaction. Footage from on-location sets revealed Nurse Hal chased through a town. A mob of FBI Agents chases Hal for some undetermined reason, presumably because of a pending criminal charge. It could also have to do with Hal's time as a biker. Images show him in a new line of work unless he's managed to work out riding bikes while on the clock as a nurse.
Lastly, the rivalry between Happy and Shooter continues. A brief shot of the dueling golfers shows them in a standoff, presumably in anticipation of one last golf tournament. There may be more to the pair's meeting, though they never saw eye-to-eye in the first entry. That means audiences can count on them clashing once again.
Happy Gilmore 2 will be released on Netflix in 2025. An official release date is pending.