Adam Sandler has officially announced that production has begun on a sequel to one of his most iconic films, Happy Gilmore, just in time for its 30th anniversary.
Sandler, who signed a lucrative $275 million deal with Netflix in 2020, is set to reprise his role as the hot-tempered golfer, with the streaming service finally producing a follow-up to the 1996 sports comedy. The original, directed by Dennis Dugan, has become one of Sandler’s most beloved works, grossing $41 million globally.
On Monday, Netflix confirmed the news, revealing that Kyle Newachek, known for directing Sandler in Murder Mystery, will helm the project. Sandler will co-write the script with Tim Herlihy, his longtime collaborator.
“Happy Gilmore 2 is officially in production,” Netflix shared on its social media accounts, alongside a sneak peek of Sandler in costume. The actor also posted on Instagram, writing: “It ain’t over. The way I see it… we’ve only just begun.”
Rumors of a sequel first began swirling earlier this year when Christopher McDonald, who played Sandler’s rival Shooter McGavin, revealed that Sandler had shown him a draft for the new film. In a radio interview in March, McDonald said: “Fans demand it, dammit!”
While details about the plot or other returning cast members remain under wraps, Sandler has previously expressed interest in exploring Happy Gilmore‘s journey into the senior golf tour. Speaking on Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast in 2022, he said: “Wouldn’t that be fun to do the senior tour of Happy Gilmore and try to write a great script about Happy as an older guy?”
With production now underway, fans can expect more updates soon on one of Sandler’s most anticipated projects to date.
