It has been 29 years since Adam Sandler had a spit-spewing, high-decibel outburst at a golfer or two, or even a toy clown. But now ‘the Sandman’ is back as Happy Gilmore in an unexpected Netflix sequel to his 1996 hit.
Sporting a scruffy beard and now with a family of his own, Happy is all grown up – until he isn’t, as he steps out of retirement and returns to the golf turf. There are unexpected new additions to the ensemble, like Bad Bunny and Eminem, as Happy Gilmore 2 takes us on a trip across burger shops, delis, and, of course, country clubs.
But don’t expect any uptight gentlemanly play here as Sandler’s brash man-child returns to the game in oversized jerseys, a hockey stick putter, and a vocabulary coarser than a sand trap full of sailors.
Where was Happy Gilmore 2 filmed?
While the first Happy Gilmore was shot entirely in British Columbia in Canada, the sequel makes its way to the United States. Most of the principal photography took place in New Jersey in September 2024. To make filming easier, Sandler and his family even moved to New Jersey last fall. The state boasts enough green pastures for the film’s ragtag bunch of golfers to wreak havoc at.
Montclair Golf Club, New Jersey
One of the oldest American golf courses, the Montclair Golf Club in Verona, New Jersey, plays a pivotal role in Happy Gilmore 2’s championship sequences. Going back all the way to 1893, the private club stretches across a 36-hole course and adds some serious professionalism to the film despite its goofy subversion of the game’s rules.
Choosing a top-notch golf course like Montclair makes sense given how the Netflix sequel’s ensemble cast also features cameos from real-life golfers like Keegan Bradley, Collin Morikawa and even Lee Trevino, the seasoned veteran of the sport who also played himself in the first film.
Pleasantdale Château, New Jersey
The first-ever teaser of Happy Gilmore 2 offered us a glimpse of the palatial Pleasantdale Château in West Orange, New Jersey. It is here where Happy is honoured among other golfing legends like Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer with a metallic bust that makes him look more like ‘SpongeBob’ with ‘beaver teeth’ than a golf pro.
While the early 20th-century property was purchased by New York industrialist Charles Walter Nichols in 1912, the luxurious property has evolved into a private event estate, hosting weddings, corporate retreats, and plenty of filming projects. Before Happy Gilmore 2 pitched its tents here, the Château and its backdrop had featured in episodes of The Sopranos, along with Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and Adrian Brody and Beyoncé musical drama Cadillac Records.
Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, New Jersey
As Happy returns to the golfing circuit to raise money for his daughter’s ballet lessons, he must swing his club around in several New Jersey circuits, Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club being one of them. The location boasts a manor for a clubhouse and three 18-hole courses, giving enough space for an enraged Happy to hole a birdie or two.
Ideal Beach, New Jersey
Every once in a while, Happy trades the trimmed country club grass for grainy beach sand. And the filming crew couldn’t find a more ideal beach than, well, Ideal Beach. A blissful dog-friendly beach on the New Jersey shore, Ideal Beach serves as an ideal training ground for whatever it is that Happy is practising. From the looks of the trailers, Happy masters the art of aiming a golf ball into a trash can at this idyllic seaside location.
Verona Town Hall, New Jersey
The New Jersey town of Verona welcomed Sandler and his crew with open arms as Happy Gilmore 2 features some scenes in the Verona Town Hall. The official Instagram account of the township shared some BTS stills with Sandler, sprinkled with a caption reading ‘Come back anytime’.
Kearny, New Jersey
A suburb of Newark, this New Jersey town raised eyebrows among locals when Adam Sandler was spotted filming scenes with Ben Stiller. The Tropic Thunder star reprises his role as psychotic retirement home nurse Hal L from the first film, although this time with greying hair and yellow aviators.
Kearny is one of New Jersey’s more popular filming destinations, appearing in diverse productions from the original Annie to the 2022 psychological horror Smile. And unsurprisingly, a few episodes of The Sopranos were also filmed here. The handlebar endures, however.
Closter, New Jersey
Ideal Beach isn’t the only spot where Happy practises his oddball swings. During the film’s multi-city New Jersey tour, the town of Closter also bore witness to Sandler sightings. The actor was spotted at a driving range with his stunt double, preparing his moves for a big match. Closter’s previous filming credits include Nicolas Cage’s The Family Man and a chaotic altercation between Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill in The Wolf of Wall Street.
Where else to visit?
Fans of the film can plan out a Happy Gilmore 2 trail across New Jersey, taking in Steve’s Burgers on Route 46, a manicure at Kim’s Nails in Maplewood, and more food at Goldberg’s World Famous Deli & Bagels in Millburn or Lokl Café in Morristown. Fly in via Newark Liberty International Airport, where a scene was filmed.
Who’s in the Happy Gilmore 2 cast?
Adam Sandler reprises his role as the titular protagonist in Happy Gilmore 2. The absence of the late Carl Weathers will felt as his mentor figure Chubbs Peterson, as will Bob Barker’s, but Christopher McDonald returns as Happy’s sneery golfing nemesis Shooter McGavin, and Ben Stiller is back in an expanded role as obnoxious retirement home orderly Hal L.
Also co-starring are Uncut Gems director and Oppenheimer actor Benny Safdie and Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny as Happy’s caddy. Modern Family actress Julie Bowen returns as Happy’s girlfriend Virginia Venit. In the absence of the late Bob Barker, a legendary – and violent – cameo star in the 1996 original, look out for Margaret Qualley, Kid Cudi, Haley Joel Osment and a few real-life pro golfers.
When does Happy Gilmore 2 come out on Netflix?
It’ll be streaming on Netflix worldwide from Friday July 25.
Is Happy Gilmore 2 in theaters?
Unlike some Netflix movies, there are no plans for a cinema release.