How Happy Gilmore 2 Teed Up a Streaming Powerhouse for Netflix

Adam Sandler has done it again. With Happy Gilmore 2, the beloved comedian and producer delivered a record-breaking sequel that dominated Netflix and reignited the spirit of 90s comedy for a new generation.

Streaming Success by the Numbers

Released on July 25, 2025, Happy Gilmore 2 (HG2) became the most streamed movie in Nielsen history, racking up 2.9 billion viewer minutes in the first week and 5.8 billion viewer minutes lifetime (as of this writing).

With a $152.5 million budget, it was the most expensive film ever shot in New Jersey. The production spanned 64 days across 31 municipalities and 9 counties. Netflix and Happy Madison Productions spent:

$2.3 million per day on production
$6.4 million hiring extras
$1.2 million on lodging for cast and crew

Filming locations included nine golf courses, Newark Airport, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and private homes in Belleville and Irvington. The scale of the spend showcased New Jersey’s versatility and supported local economies through the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program.

Happy Madison Productions: Comedy Powerhouse

Founded in 1999 and named after Sandler’s early hits Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison, Happy Madison Productions has produced over 30 films. Many have grossed over $100 million, and the company has become one of the most successful comedy production houses in Hollywood.

While Sandler often headlines these films, Happy Madison has also delivered hits without him:

The Wrong Missy (2020) – Starring David Spade (over 59 million Netflix views, earning a #1 spot on worldwide charts)
Surprise Netflix hit Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) – Headlined by Kevin James, earned over $183 million worldwide
Joe Dirt (2001) – A cult favorite starring David Spade
Grandma’s Boy (2006) – A sleeper hit and stoner comedy classic

Happy Madison operates with a lean team of 25 to 53 employees and is headquartered in Culver City, California. Despite its modest size, the company has generated billions of viewing minutes on Netflix and continues to produce new content, including a teen musical starring Sandler’s daughter Sunny.

Rotten Tomatoes and Nostalgia: Throwback for the Right Crowd

HG2 earned a 65% 🍅score on Rotten Tomatoes. That’s a solid nod to its comedic roots, but it wasn’t made to win over every critic.

If you didn’t find Happy Gilmore 2 funny, chances are you weren’t born when Sandler peaked. The film is a throwback to the lost art of silly, slapstick, absurd comedy. It’s unapologetically hilarious for those who grew up quoting Billy Madison, The Waterboy, and the original Happy Gilmore. I happen to love Sandler from his earlier debut on SNL and his unforgettable song parodies like Lunch Lady Land, Hanukkah Song and The Thanksgiving Song but this is why I also loved HG2, too.

HG2 is not just for Gen X. It’s perfect for those who remember the 90s and love movies made in the nineties. And if you weren’t around or were too young to remember that moment in time, you might never get it.

Classic Cameos and Callbacks

Sandler knows how to treat his fans. Happy Gilmore 2 brought back the legendary Bob Barker fight scene from the original, with a twist.

With over 60 surprise appearances, Happy Gilmore 2 turned into a comedy-meets-pop-culture spectacle. Here are the most talked-about and exciting cameos that stole the show.

Cameos That Had Fans Buzzing

Eminem made a hilarious appearance as the son of the original heckler from the first film, delivering a perfect callback to the iconic “Jackass!” moment. It was unexpected, sharp, and pure gold.

Bad Bunny stepped into a comedic role as Happy’s waiter-turned-caddy. His timing and charm added a fresh twist to the film, and fans loved seeing him in a more playful light.

Travis Kelce, the NFL star, showed off his acting chops as a hot-headed waiter. His cameo was teased on his podcast with Sandler, and it definitely lived up to the hype.

Guy Fieri brought the flavor—literally—as the announcer for the final golf showdown. His energy and signature style added a fun layer to the climax.

Steve Buscemi, a Sandler regular, popped up as Happy’s eccentric neighbor. His quirky presence was a nostalgic nod to their past collaborations.

John Daly, the legendary golfer, had a memorable role living in Happy’s garage and offering sage advice. It was both hilarious and oddly heartfelt.

Ken Jennings appeared in a Jeopardy-style skit where contestants hilariously failed to recognize Happy Gilmore. A clever nod to pop culture and trivia fans alike.

⛳ Real Golf Stars Join the Fun

The film also brought in real-life golf legends—Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau—for a playful parody of the LIV Golf Tour. Their cameos added authenticity and a splash of real-world drama to the fictional tournament. A treat for true golf fans—respect, Sandler.

💙 Family & Tributes

Sandler made it a family affair with appearances from his wife Jackie, daughters Sunny and Sadie, and even his mother. These subtle inclusions added warmth behind the scenes.

There was also a touching tribute to Cameron Boyce, Sandler’s late co-star from Grown Ups, and a respectful nod to Bob Barker, whose unforgettable fight scene in the original film remains legendary.

The Heart of Happy Madison

What sets Sandler apart isn’t just his comedic timing. It’s his loyalty and generosity. He casts his friends like David Spade, Rob Schneider, and Kevin James. He includes his wife Jackie and daughters. He funds vacations for his crew and gives bonuses. Every set feels like a reunion.

Happy Madison is more than a production company. It’s a family. Sandler’s commitment to bringing his friends along for the ride has created a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and lasting success.

Legacy Cemented

With HG2, Sandler didn’t just break records. He reminded us why we love him. He brought heart, humor, and nostalgia. He gave Gen X the sequel they didn’t know they needed and proved that the Sandlerverse is alive and thriving.

Q&A: Behind the Scenes of Happy Gilmore & Happy Gilmore 2

Q: What nine golf courses were featured in Happy Gilmore 2?
Happy Gilmore 2 was filmed across nine golf courses in New Jersey, giving the film its authentic golf vibe. Key locations included Beacon Hill Country Club, Fiddler's Elbow Country Club, Montclair Golf Club, Alpine Country Club, Forest Hill Field Club, Rockleigh Golf Club, Closter Golf Center, Essex Golf Center, and Farmview Golf Center. These courses helped create a realistic yet playful golf setting for the film.

Q: Where was the original Happy Gilmore filmed?
The 1996 original was mostly shot in and around Vancouver, British Columbia, with the Swan-e-Set Bay Resort & Country Club serving as the main golf location. Its scenic fairways and greens became the perfect backdrop for Sandler’s classic golf antics.

Q: Did Happy Gilmore 2 use real golf pros for cameos?
Absolutely! The film featured real-life golf stars like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau in a playful parody of the LIV Golf Tour. Their appearances added authenticity and fun to the fictional tournament.

Q: Were the over-the-top golf scenes real or CGI?
Many of the movie’s extravagant golf setups were practical effects, not computer-generated. For example, the rotating green at Fiddler’s Elbow was a real, hydraulically operated construction, giving the comedy scenes a tangible, interactive feel.

Q: How did filming impact New Jersey?
Happy Gilmore 2 had a major economic impact on New Jersey. Shot across 31 municipalities and nine counties, the $152.5 million production boosted local businesses and showcased the state’s versatility for filmmaking.

🏌️♂️ Trivia: Happy Gilmore & Happy Gilmore 2

Original Bob Barker scene: The iconic fight between Happy and Bob Barker in the first film was almost cut due to network concerns, but it became one of the movie’s most memorable moments.
Celebrity golf extras: In Happy Gilmore 2, several PGA Tour pros appeared as extras in the fictional tournament, including cameo shots beyond Scheffler, McIlroy, Koepka, and DeChambeau.
Hidden family moments: Adam Sandler included his daughters Sunny and Sadie in subtle cameos, a tradition he carried from previous films like Grown Ups.
Original props nostalgia: Some props from the first film, including Happy’s hockey stick and his classic green sweater, were recreated for the sequel as fun throwbacks.
Improvised comedy: Several of David Spade’s lines in the first movie were improvised, a technique Sandler encourages on set to keep scenes fresh and spontaneous.