*I wrote this piece of shit as a writing sample for submission to GAMERANT. This isn’t me… its me trying to impress a media outlet with what I thought would be “safe” writing. I’m warn you.. the following writing sample suck’s. I have another I wrote about 2 MCU sequels outshining their predecessors but I was required to keep it to like 200 words which made it terrible, so you’ll never see it. Anyway, go back to drinking or whatever….oh and, Shlabiddy Dooo!
After almost 30 years, Happy Gilmore is teeing off once again, with Adam Sandler reprising (arguably) his most iconic role. Netflix announced Happy Gilmore 2 back in May 2024, with filming beginning in September of that year. On March 18th Netflix released the film’s first teaser trailer.
The original 1996 comedy, a delicious mix of childish humor with an underdog story, remains one of Sandler’s most beloved films, and with the recent release of this first trailer, it’s clear the sequel aims to tap into the original’s nostalgia. But beyond fan service, the return of Happy Gilmore signals something more: a shift in how comedy franchises are being revived or rebooted. This is a very strategic move by both Sandler and Netflix. So… why now?
A Comedy Cult Classic with Slap-Shot Power
Since its release, Happy Gilmore has become a catchphrase powerhouse. From “the price is wrong, Bob!” to his infamous slap-shot golf swing (mimicked still), the film left a lasting impression with its audience. Almost immediately the film gained a cult following, only to be championed among younger audiences who discovered it through cable reruns or eventually through streaming services. Age groups from 30s-60s still quote the movie to this day. Many comedies of the 90s have aged fairly well. Movies like Dumb and Dumber and There’s Something About Mary have similar followings, but it’s Sandler’s blend of “Whoopdee Doo” energy and unexpected sweetness that helped solidify Happy Gilmore as the #1 sports comedy of the past 50 years, giving Caddyshack a run for its money.
Sandler's Netflix Era Has Been Building to This
The release of Happy Gilmore 2 aligns closely with Sandler’s long-lasting career. Since signing a multi-film deal with Netflix, Sandler has consistently delivered high-performing titles on the platform. Titles like Murder Mystery & Murder Mystery 2 seriously outperformed targets, while critically acclaimed dramas like Hustle and Uncut Gems impressed critics tremendously.
Netflix offered Sandler 100% creative freedom and a massive global audience; the perfect environment for the return of his legacy character. By pairing a quintessential fan-favorite throwback title with the extended household reach of Netflix, Happy Gilmore 2 has the potential to bridge even more generations of viewers. From nostalgia-hungry, longtime fans to even newer newcomers. If this goes as well as Netflix expects it to, everyone aged 8-80 will know the name “Happy Gilmore”.
Familiar Faces, New Challenges
The trailer sees the return of many original cast members, including Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald, who portrayed the smug standout “Shooter McGavin” in the original film. While full plot details are still under wraps, the sequel looks to explore an aging Happy forced to return to the game of golf and face a new generation of rivals. The trailer depicts Happy walking a hall of “golf-great busts”, bronze head statues of golf’s greatest players of years past, himself included. This storyline opens the door for discussions on aging athletes, a possible revolving tone for comedies in 2025. A theme that could give this sequel more depth while still staying true to its “Shabbidy Doo” Sandler roots.
The Rise of Nostalgia
From Beetlejuice 2 and Beverly Hill Cops: Axel F to Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Hollywood has been leaning heavily into revivals lately that revisit beloved characters from the 80s and 90s. These projects often try hard to balance “fan service” with storytelling, creating gaps between what fans wanted and what they were given. Oftentimes, studios will use nostalgia as a way to boost hype for a film, but does the story suffer?
Happy Gilmore 2 looks to bypass this sandtrap by focusing solely on Sandler’s titular character, not by passing the torch while using nostalgia to do so. With the original’s massive appeal, over-the-top humor, and “big underdog energy”, it looks to be a sequel that doesn’t just rely on nostalgia but hopefully earns it all over again. This isn’t just about bringing back a fan favorite character, it’s about timing. With today’s audiences craving “comfort content”, and with 80s & 90s nostalgia in full swing, Happy Gilmore 2 feels less like a cash grab and more like the right move at the right time for Sandler, Netflix and audiences.