Happy Gilmore 2is the much-anticipated sequel to Adam Sandler’s 1996 comedy classic, picking up almost three decades after the conclusion of the original film. Thestory ofHappy Gilmore 2follows Sandler’s protagonist as he comes out of retirement to earn enough money to pay for his daughter’s ballet school. The movie arrived on Netflix on July 25.
Happy Gilmore 2features a huge castof returning stars and new characters thatperfectly toes the line between nostalgic cameos and fresh, original storytelling. It wouldn’t be an Adam Sandler movie without the lead actor bringing several of his comedy friends along for the ride, andHappy Gilmore 2is no different.
As a result, the movie is packed with familiar faces from across film and television, as well as real-life sports leagues. Some play key roles in Happy’s latest adventure, while others are only passing through. Still, it makes for an exciting ensemble.
Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore
Date Of Birth: July 30, 2025
Actor:Adam Sandler was born in New York City in 1966, where he quickly entered the comedy scene after studying acting at New York University.The actor’s breakthrough role came in 1989’sGoing Overboard, which he also wrote alongside Valerie Breiman. From there, Sandler appeared in a string of critically acclaimed comedies such asBilly MadisonandHappy Gilmore.
1998
2000
2019
Punch-Drunk Love
2002
Character: Happy Gilmore is back after over a decade of retirement, stepping back onto the green to earn enough money for his daughter Vienna to attend the ballet academy of her dreams in Paris. The professional golfer famouslybroke onto the scene in 1996’sHappy Gilmore, beating Shooter McGavin to win the US Tour Championship.
There are plenty ofcameos inHappy Gilmore 2, butit’s Sandler’s protagonist who shines brightest at the center of the narrative. The sequel is a story of redemption, pride, and family that sees Happy Gilmore go down a dark path on his journey to success.
Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit
Date Of Birth: August 15, 2025
Actor: Julie Bowen was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1970 and became known for her recurring role on the soap operaLoving. She appeared alongside Adam Sandler in the originalHappy Gilmore, and later found success asClaire Dunphy on the long-running sitcomModern Family. Bowen received six consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards nominations for her performance, winning two.
2009-2020
1996
2023
Ed
2000-2004
Character: Virginia Venit first appeared inHappy Gilmoreas thePR manager of the US Golf Tour, often fighting with her superiors to keep Gilmore on the circuit and keep the public interested in the event.Virginia Venit returns inHappy Gilmore 2as the protagonist’s wife, serving as the emotional core of the story.
Although Virginia’s role inHappy Gilmore 2is smaller than expected,the character is a major figure in Happy’s character arc, and her presence can be felt throughout the story. The film’s focus on family and community is arguably its strongest asset, and none of this would be possible without Virginia’s character or her relationship with Happy.
Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin
Date Of Birth: May 24, 2025
Actor:Christopher McDonald was born in New York City in 1955 and foundhis breakthrough role as “Goose” inGrease 2. The actor remains best known for his antagonistic role as Shooter McGavin inHappy Gilmore, though his other acting credits includeThelma and Louise, Requiem for a Dream, andQuiz Show.
1991
1994
2011-2012
Grease 2
1982
Character:Shooter McGavin was the favorite to win the US Golf Tour in 1996 before Happy Gilmore entered the circuit, and the pair have been in an intense rivalry ever since. However, one of the biggestdifferences from the firstHappy Gilmoremovieis thatHappy and Shooter are forced to work togetherin the sequel to bring down a much larger threat to the game.
Benny Safdie as Frank Manatee
Date Of Birth: August 13, 2025
Actor:Benny Safdie was born in New York City in 1986, and is principally known for his work as a writer and director on projects such asGood TimeandUncut Gemsalongside his brother, Josh Safdie.His acting credits includeOppenheimerandThe Curse,and Safdie is set to release his solo directorial debut,The Smashing Machine,later this year.
2017
2023-2024
Licorice Pizza
2021
Character: Frank Manatee is a new addition toHappy Gilmore 2’s cast, and one of the film’s central antagonists.He’s the mastermind behind the new Maxi Golf league, which Happy and his professional golf colleagues view as an abomination to the spirit of golf. Manyreviews ofHappy Gilmore 2have named Safdie’s character as a highlight addition to the film’s ensemble.
Happy Gilmore 2 Supporting Cast & Characters
Bad Bunny as Oscar Mejías: Best known for his music career as one of the leading Latin hip-hop artists of the 21st century, Bad Bunny appears inHappy Gilmore 2as Oscar Mejías, the caddy of Adam Sandler’s protagonist. His previous acting credits includeF9andBullet Train.
Ben Stiller as Hal L:Another returning member ofHappy Gilmore’s cast, Ben Stiller returns in the sequel as Hal L, the exploitative manager of an alcoholics’ anonymous group.The comic actor is best known for his roles inZoolander,Night at the Museum, andBlades of Glory. He also co-created the Emmy-winning showSeverance.
Sadie Sandler as Charlotte:Adam Sandler frequently casts his family in his movies, and that’s no different inHappy Gilmore 2. His eldest daughter, Sadie Sandler, plays Charlotte, a member of Happy’s alcoholics anonymous group.
Sunny Sandler as Vienna Gilmore: Sandler’s youngest daughter also makes an appearance inHappy Gilmore 2, this time as the protagonist’s own daughter, Vienna.Her talent as a ballet dancer is what spurs Happy into coming out of retirementto send her to an academy in Paris.
Haley Joel Osment as Billy Jenkins:Osment is best known for his early performance inThe Sixth Sense, for which he was nominated at the Academy Awards. The actor also appeared inAI: Artificial Intelligence, The Jungle Book 2, andSecondhand Lions.
Lavell Crawford as Slim Peterson:AlthoughCarl Weathers was supposed to appear inHappy Gilmore 2, the writers had to change this particular part of the story following the actor’s death in 2024. As such, Lavell Crawford’s character Slim was introduced;the son of Chubbs Peterson and a close friend of Happy’s. Crawford is best known for his successful comedy career and roles inBreaking BadandOn The Count Of Three.
Margaret Qualley as Sally:Margaret Qualley has appeared in several movies, but her role inHappy Gilmore 2is certainly one of her funniest to date. The actor is best known for her work in the Oscar-winning horrorThe Substanceand Emmy-nominated dramaMaid.
Eric André as Steiner: Eric André makes an appearance inHappy Gilmore 2as Steiner, one of the amateur golfers whom Happy plays alongside when he’s considering coming out of retirement. The comedian has previously appeared in films such asBad Trip,Sing 2, andThe Lion King.
Steve Buscemi as Pat:Buscemi’s role inHappy Gilmore 2is admittedly small, butthe actor certainly makes the most of his brief appearances. He plays Happy’s neighbor Pat, who continually snoops on the family and invades their personal space. Buscemi’s most famous roles includeReservoir Dogs,Monsters Inc,andFargo.
Dennis Dugan as Doug Thompson:Not only is Duganthe director of the originalHappy Gilmore, but he’s also a long-time collaborator of Adam Sandler’s. The pair have worked together on projects such asGrown Ups 2, Big Daddy, andYou Don’t Mess with the Zohan.
Kevin Nealon as Gary Potter:Kevin Nealon is best known for his tenure as a recurring cast member onSaturday Night Livethroughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, though he also collaborated with Adam Sandler on projects such asThe Wedding Singer, Little Nicky,andAnger Management.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman as Gordie Gilmore:WWE star Maxwell Jacob Friedman is one of the many real-life athletes who appear inHappy Gilmore 2, but while most of these stars only have simple cameos, Friedman gets his own character. He plays Gordie, one of Happy’s sons.
