In the highly-anticipated sequel to the 1996 comedy classic, “Happy Gilmore 2” is brimming with inside jokes and nods to the original film. Released on Netflix in July 2025, the movie quickly claimed the top spot on the streaming platform’s list of the Top 10 movies. The storyline picks up decades after the events of the first film, with Happy Gilmore (portrayed by Adam Sandler) facing a personal tragedy that leaves him in a state of disarray.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/happy-gilmore-2-sandler-72925-2c21cb13757c4c2b9d4e6ae97fa7f7fe.jpg)
During an appearance on Travis Kelce’s podcast “New Heights” in August 2024, Adam Sandler shared insights into the sequel, highlighting that the film explores Happy’s journey as an older golfer trying to find his way back on track after facing life-altering challenges. Despite the heavy undertones, “Happy Gilmore 2” maintains its signature slapstick humour and pays homage to the original movie through a plethora of Easter eggs.
One of the notable Easter eggs in “Happy Gilmore 2” is the fan performing Happy’s celebratory bull dance, a reference to a memorable scene from the first film. Additionally, the movie features a video game version of Happy that recreates iconic moments, such as his altercation with Bob Barker. The narrative also revisits the theme of Grandma’s house, a central element from the original film, continuing to play a significant role in Happy’s life.
Even though Chubbs Peterson, portrayed by Carl Weathers, met his demise in the first film, his character continues to influence Happy in the sequel. Through flashbacks, mentorship from heaven, and references to Chubbs’ book “The Science of Golf,” the spirit of Chubbs remains a guiding force for Happy. Furthermore, familiar faces like Happy’s original caddie and characters such as Hal L. and Gary Potter make a comeback, adding to the nostalgic charm of “Happy Gilmore 2.”
The sequel also cleverly incorporates memorable quotes and props from the original film, creating a sense of continuity for fans. Whether it’s revisiting Happy’s Happy Place, hearing familiar catchphrases like “You can do it!” from Rob Schneider’s character, or witnessing the return of beloved items like Happy’s clubs and Grandma’s photo, the movie is a treasure trove of callbacks to its predecessor.
Moreover, the alligator that famously bit off Chubbs’ hand receives a playful reference in “Happy Gilmore 2,” further intertwining past and present storylines. The film also pays homage to the late Cameron Boyce in a touching cameo, showcasing a photo of Happy’s character and Virginia Venit from the original movie.
With a mix of nostalgia and fresh comedic elements, “Happy Gilmore 2” successfully captures the essence of the original while carving out its own unique identity. Through its clever Easter eggs, character reprisals, and subtle callbacks, the sequel delivers a delightful viewing experience for both fans of the original film and newcomers alike.