Honestly, nobody really thought it would actually happen. For nearly thirty years, the idea of a sequel to the 1996 cult classic felt like one of those "maybe one day" pipe dreams Adam Sandler would joke about during interviews. But here we are. Happy Gilmore 2 has officially hit Netflix, and the sheer scale of the cast of Happy Gilmore 2 is kind of overwhelming. It isn't just a few familiar faces popping up for a paycheck; it is a massive, chaotic, and oddly heartfelt reunion that mixes 90s nostalgia with some of the biggest names in modern pop culture.
If you’ve watched it, you know the vibe. It’s loud. It’s ridiculous. It basically feels like a Sandler family reunion where everyone invited brought a famous friend.
The Legends Are Back (And Still Petty)
You can't have this movie without the core trio. Seeing Adam Sandler back in the Bruins jersey—albeit a slightly more weathered version of the character—just feels right. He’s playing a Happy who has been out of the game for decades, living a quiet life until a new villain drags him back onto the green.
And speaking of villains? Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin is still the gold standard for cinematic jerks. Seriously. The man hasn't lost a step. He’s still doing the finger guns, still obsessed with his "Shooter" persona, and still deeply, hilariously insecure. There was a point where McDonald wasn't sure he’d ever get to play the role again, but he actually campaigned for this for years.
Then there’s the surprise return of Ben Stiller as Hal L., the terrifyingly "helpful" nursing home orderly. It turns out Hal hasn't changed much, though he’s now leading a support group for alcoholics called "Healing Alkies for Life" (or HAL, naturally). Seeing him scream about "warm milk" and "landscaping duties" again is a total fever dream for anyone who grew up on the original. Julie Bowen also returns as Virginia Venit, though the story takes a bit of a bittersweet turn regarding her character’s current status in Happy's life.
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New Blood: From Bad Bunny to Benny Safdie
While the old guard provides the soul, the new additions to the cast of Happy Gilmore 2 bring the energy. Benny Safdie, known for directing Uncut Gems, steps in as the primary antagonist, Frank Manatee. He plays the CEO of "Maxi Energy Drink," a corporate shark trying to turn golf into a high-octane, neon-drenched spectacle.
But the real breakout has to be Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio). He plays Oscar Mejías, a former busboy who becomes Happy’s new caddy. He’s surprisingly grounded and funny, acting as the perfect "straight man" to Happy’s explosive temper. He’s joined by Marcello Hernández from SNL, who plays Oscar’s cousin Esteban. Their chemistry is basically worth the price of the Netflix subscription alone.
And then there's Travis Kelce. Yeah, the NFL superstar actually has a role, and he’s not just standing in the background. He plays a hot-headed waiter at a high-end club restaurant who basically acts as a physical obstacle for Happy. He’s got this weirdly natural charisma that works perfectly for a Sandler comedy.
The Cameos Are Absolutely Out of Control
If you blink, you’ll miss someone. The cast of Happy Gilmore 2 is less of a cast list and more of a "who’s who" of 2026.
- Music Stars: Post Malone shows up as "DJ Omar Gosh," and Kid Cudi plays an FBI agent who ends up arresting Ben Stiller’s character.
- The Pro Golfers: The movie went all-in on the PGA and LIV crossover. You’ve got Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Scottie Scheffler playing fictionalized versions of themselves. Even legends like Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino make appearances.
- Wrestling Fans: Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) plays Gordie Gilmore, Happy’s eldest son. Seeing a pro-wrestler play the son of a guy known for punching people on golf courses? Perfect casting.
- The SNL Connection: Eric André, Margaret Qualley, and Martin Herlihy play a trio of amateur golfers who help Happy find his swing again.
What's kinda cool is how the movie handles the legacy of those who couldn't be there. There are subtle, moving nods to the late Carl Weathers (Chubbs Peterson) and Richard Kiel (Mr. Larson). To fill that void, Lavell Crawford appears as Slim Peterson, Chubbs' son, who—in a hilarious bit of continuity—also has a prosthetic hand due to a vending machine mishap. Boban Marjanović even pops up as Drago Larson, the massive son of Happy's former boss.
A Real Family Affair
Look, it’s an Adam Sandler movie. You know his family is going to be in it. His real-life wife, Jackie Sandler, plays a dance instructor named Monica. His daughters, Sunny and Sadie, have significant roles as well. Sunny plays Vienna, Happy’s youngest daughter whose dream of becoming a ballerina is what actually motivates Happy to get back into professional golf. Even Sandler’s mother, Judy Sandler, has a cameo.
Some people complain about the "nepotism" in Sandler's films, but honestly? It gives the movie a cozy, home-movie feel that fits the brand. It feels like they’re just having fun, and that infectious energy is why these movies rank so well with audiences even when critics are mixed.
How to Catch Every Detail
If you're planning to watch (or re-watch), keep your eyes peeled for the "deep background" characters. Margaret Qualley actually admitted she lied about her golfing skills just to get into the movie because she’s such a massive fan of the original. That’s the kind of dedication that makes the cast of Happy Gilmore 2 feel special.
Check the "Maxi League" scenes specifically for cameos from Reggie Bush, Becky Lynch, and Nikki Bella. The movie is packed so tightly that you almost need a spreadsheet to keep track of everyone.
What to do next:
- Watch the credits: There are some great outtakes and a few final "surprise" cameos tucked away at the very end.
- Look for the easter eggs: Pay attention to the background of Happy’s house; it’s filled with memorabilia from the 1996 film, including the original Subway jersey.
- Stream it on Netflix: The movie is a Netflix original, so that’s the only place you’ll find the full star-studded lineup in action.