Grab your golf clubs and prepare for a trip down memory lane, sports fans! Adam Sandler is stepping back into his iconic role as the wacky hockey player-turned-golf sensation Happy Gilmore, and the first images from the set of the much-anticipated sequel are already stirring up excitement.
In exclusive photos, the 58-year-old actor can be seen taking powerful swings with an iron at a driving range, honing his short game for the upcoming “Happy Gilmore 2.” Joined by his stunt double, Sandler thoroughly enjoys the shoot, sharing laughs between takes.
Kyle Newacheck is directing this long-awaited follow-up to the 1996 sports comedy classic. While an official release date has not yet been announced, we do know that the star-studded cast includes some big names.
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, fresh off his acting debuts in films like “Bullet Train” and the “Fast & Furious” franchise, is set to join the fun. And the beloved Julie Bowen will be reprising her role as Virginia Venit, Happy’s love interest from the original.
However, perhaps the most intriguing addition to the “Happy Gilmore 2” lineup is the rumored appearance of NFL superstar Travis Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, who is also Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has regularly discussed securing a part in the sequel with Sandler.
During a recent interview on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Sandler confirmed that filming is slated to begin in the coming weeks. Kelce has been actively seeking guidance from the veteran actor on his role.
This marks a significant step for Kelce, who reportedly aims to follow in the footsteps of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and transition into a career in Hollywood. His team has been crafting a strategic plan to propel him into the limelight, and the “Happy Gilmore 2” opportunity could be a crucial stepping stone.
Kelce has expressed his enthusiasm for the project, telling his and brother Jason’s “New Heights” podcast, “Man, I didn’t even know there was a job opening. I’ll be a f***ing extra, anything to get around Happy Gilmore, an Adam Sandler film or set – count me in.”
He continued, “I’ll do anything in the movie. I’ll be part of it any way I possibly can.”
Fans of the original “Happy Gilmore” will remember the film’s enduring charm and the memorable performances that cemented Sandler’s status as a leading comedic actor in Hollywood. The story follows a failed hockey player, Happy Gilmore, who unexpectedly discovers his talent for golf and enters a professional tournament.
Released in 1996, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $41 million at the box office against a modest budget of just $12 million. While it received mixed reviews from critics then, “Happy Gilmore” has since become a beloved cult classic, praised for its humor and unforgettable characters.
Now, with the prospect of a sequel featuring diverse talent, both on and off the screen, fans are eager to see how Sandler and the filmmakers will recapture the original’s magic. The addition of Bad Bunny, a chart-topping music artist who has already proven his acting chops, and the potential inclusion of Travis Kelce, a sports star seeking to make his mark in Hollywood, only adds to the intrigue.
The anticipation continues to build as the “Happy Gilmore 2” production gets underway. Seeing Sandler back in his signature role, hacking away at the driving range, is a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. With a proven comedic formula and a fresh injection of talent, this sequel could very well recapture the spirit of the 1996 classic and deliver another hilarious and heartwarming chapter in Happy Gilmore’s life.