Hollywood has been struggling to recapture the magic of the ’90s comedy era.
Adam Sandler just proved he’s still the king of comedy gold.
And Adam Sandler just made one announcement about Happy Gilmore 2 that will have fans racing to Netflix.
Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce join the comedy legend’s latest project
Nearly 30 years after Happy Gilmore became a comedy classic, Adam Sandler is bringing back the beloved golf-obsessed hockey player for a Netflix sequel.
But this isn’t just another lazy Hollywood cash grab.
Sandler assembled what might be the most star-studded comedy cast in recent memory, mixing original cast members with some surprising new faces that nobody saw coming.
The comedian revealed at Monday night’s premiere that he personally recruited Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny after watching him host Saturday Night Live earlier this year.
"I saw him and I couldn’t believe how funny he was," Sandler explained to reporters.¹
The unlikely partnership started with a chance encounter at a Lakers game where the two entertainers hit it off immediately.
Bad Bunny’s agent kept reaching out to find a way for the reggaeton star to work with Sandler, and when the Happy Gilmore 2 script needed a new character, the comedian knew exactly who to call.
"We said, ‘That’s a great idea,’ so that’s how it happened," Sandler said. "He’s doing fine with or without me but I’m happy he’s in this, man."²
But Bad Bunny wasn’t the only surprising addition to the cast.
NFL superstar Travis Kelce also landed a role, proving that Sandler’s ability to attract A-list talent across different industries hasn’t diminished one bit.
The movie also features an impressive roster of cameos including social media personality Alix Earle and "Hot Ones" host Sean Evans, along with several decorated athletes.
Original cast members couldn’t wait to return
Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald are back reprising their roles from the 1996 original, with McDonald returning as the villainous Shooter McGavin and Bowen as Virginia Venit.
Bowen didn’t hesitate when Sandler called about the sequel.
"When he asks, you say yes," Bowen told reporters. "No one says no — you’d be high to say no."³
The actress joked that her own children initially doubted she’d make the cut.
"My kids told me I’d never be in it because I’m too old . . . assholes," she said. "But yeah, when he called, I said, ‘Whenever you need me, however you want it.’"⁴
That kind of loyalty speaks volumes about Sandler’s reputation in Hollywood.
While other comedy stars have struggled to maintain relevance, Sandler continues to command respect from both veteran actors and emerging talent.
The massive 8-page cast sheet for Happy Gilmore 2 proves that everyone still wants to be part of an Adam Sandler movie.
Sandler teases even bigger sequel news
Happy Gilmore 2 is part of Sandler’s lucrative eight-movie deal with Netflix under his Happy Madison Productions banner.
But the comedian dropped an even bigger bombshell when asked about future projects.
When reporters brought up the possibility of a Billy Madison sequel, Sandler’s response sent fans into overdrive.
"Let’s write it tonight!" he exclaimed.⁵
That spontaneous enthusiasm captures exactly why Sandler remains comedy royalty after all these years.
While other comedians overthink their projects or get bogged down in development hell, Sandler maintains the same infectious energy that made his ’90s classics so beloved.
A Billy Madison sequel would be pure nostalgia gold for audiences who grew up watching Sandler’s breakthrough performance as the lovable man-child going back to school.
The original film launched Sandler’s movie career and established the template for his unique brand of comedy that mixes juvenile humor with genuine heart.
Netflix bet big on comedy legend
Sandler’s partnership with Netflix has been one of the streaming platform’s smartest investments.
His movies consistently rank among the platform’s most-watched content, proving that audiences still crave the kind of feel-good comedy that made him famous.
The Happy Gilmore sequel represents everything that made Sandler a household name: sports comedy, memorable characters, and an ensemble cast that clearly enjoys working together.
Bad Bunny’s inclusion also shows that Sandler isn’t content to simply recreate the past – he’s bringing fresh faces and contemporary energy to classic formulas.
Travis Kelce’s involvement connects the movie to current pop culture through his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, guaranteeing even more mainstream attention.
Smart casting decisions like these explain why Sandler’s Netflix movies perform so well compared to other comedy sequels that feel stale and outdated.
Happy Gilmore 2 proves that when it comes to comedy, Adam Sandler still knows exactly what audiences want.
And if that Billy Madison sequel actually happens, Netflix just hit another comedy jackpot.
¹ Variety Staff, "Adam Sandler on Casting ‘Unbelievably Funny’ Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce in ‘Happy Gilmore 2’," Variety, July 23, 2025.
² Ibid.
³ Ibid.
⁴ Ibid.
⁵ Ibid.