Netflix Unwraps "Happy Gilmore 2" Teaser for Christmas! Adam Sandler Returns as His Iconic Angry Golfer for Long-Awaited Sequel to Classic '90s Comedy

Need a little something for your Christmas stocking? Well, Netflix has you covered with a last-minute surprise, sneaked under the tree on Christmas day. It’s a big one: the first official teaser for Happy Gilmore 2, the long-awaited sequel to the classic Adam Sandler ‘90s comedy about a failed hockey player with a mean streak who stumbles into the elegant and sophisticated game of golf. It’s been almost 30 years, but Happy Gilmore has returned. And from the look of things, Happy will be bringing that same rowdy energy to the greens.

For those unfamiliar, Happy Gilmore, released in 1996, followed Sandler's other cult hit, Billy Madison, from the previous year. Both films helped establish Sandler as a legitimate movie star and comedy icon, rivaling the likes of Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, and Chris Farley. They also inspired him to name his production company Happy Madison Productions.

What set Sandler apart from his peers, however, was his unique ability to alternately scream like a spoiled child having a tantrum and switch to the innocence of a lost puppy. Sandler's East Coast grit was matched by his sincerity, always looking for approval. His willingness to commit to the bit—letting go of his persona and becoming a complete fool for the cameras—was key to his rise as an international comedy star. His physicality alone made his brand of comedy universal; you didn’t need to speak English to understand that Sandler was playing the fool.

Since 2016, Sandler has maintained a successful working relationship with Netflix. Their collaborations have worked wonders for the streaming giant, with Sandler's original Netflix films, despite mixed critical reception, becoming major hits. Movies like Murder Mystery, Leo, Hubie Halloween, and The Ridiculous 6 all ranked among the top-streamed films in Netflix’s catalog. While many would argue that Sandler’s finest work remains Uncut Gems—an edgy drama released by A24, not Netflix—his acting has evolved significantly during his time with the platform. Just look at films like Hustle and this year’s Spaceman, both of which feature surprisingly mature performances from the Sand Man.

With Happy Gilmore 2, Sandler returns to his comedy roots but seems to be bringing a bit of maturity to the role. Okay, maybe not much maturity, but Happy is now married and returning to golf to see if he still has it. Perhaps it’s a bit of a mirror of Sandler’s own life.

Sandler is joined by returning cast members Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit, Happy’s wife, and Christopher McDonald as prickly golfer Shooter McGavin, Happy's old rival. Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio (aka rapper Bad Bunny) joins in the fun as a caddy, while football player Travis Kelce makes a guest appearance, along with many others.

Directed by comedy TV veteran Kyle Newacheck (What We Do in the Shadows, Workaholics), Happy Gilmore 2 is set to hit screens sometime in 2025. Watch the teaser, above.