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The Ultimate Guide To The 'Happy Gilmore 2' Cast: Returning Legends, Shocking Plot Twists, And 72 Cameos

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The long-awaited sequel to the 1996 comedy classic is finally a reality, and the confirmed Happy Gilmore 2 cast for the 2025 release is packed with returning legends and surprising new A-list talent. The excitement surrounding Adam Sandler's return as the hot-tempered hockey player-turned-golfer has been amplified by the news that fan-favorite Christopher McDonald, who plays the iconic villain Shooter McGavin, is also back. This article, updated in December 2025, provides the most current and comprehensive breakdown of the sequel's star-studded ensemble, the controversial plot direction, and the enormous list of celebrity cameos.

The sequel, directed by Kyle Newacheck, is set to be a massive Netflix event, promising the same blend of slapstick humor and heart that made the original a cultural phenomenon. From the fate of Happy’s love interest, Virginia Venit, to the introduction of a new tech-bro nemesis, the film is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about comedies of the year.

Key Players: A Full Biography Profile of the Main Cast

The core of Happy Gilmore 2 relies on the chemistry of its main stars, both old and new. Here is a quick profile of the actors driving the highly anticipated sequel:

Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore)

  • Full Name: Adam Richard Sandler
  • Born: September 9, 1966 (New York City, New York, USA)
  • Career Highlights: Actor, comedian, filmmaker, and singer-songwriter. A former cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Known for Billy Madison, The Waterboy, The Wedding Singer, and critically acclaimed dramatic roles in Punch-Drunk Love and Uncut Gems.
  • Role in Sequel: Reprises his role as Happy Gilmore, now a widowed single father who returns to the golf course.

Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin)

  • Full Name: Christopher McDonald
  • Born: February 15, 1955 (New York, New York, USA)
  • Career Highlights: American actor known for playing antagonistic or villainous roles. Best known for his breakout role as professional golfer Shooter McGavin in the original Happy Gilmore. Other notable credits include Thelma & Louise and Requiem for a Dream.
  • Role in Sequel: Returns as Happy's long-time rival, Shooter McGavin.

Julie Bowen (Virginia Venit Gilmore)

  • Full Name: Julie Bowen Luetkemeyer
  • Born: March 3, 1970 (Baltimore, Maryland, USA)
  • Career Highlights: Emmy-winning American actress and director. Best known for her decade-long, Emmy-winning role as Claire Dunphy in the hit ABC sitcom Modern Family. She also starred in Boston Legal.
  • Role in Sequel: Reprises her role as Virginia Venit. The character’s fate is central to the sequel’s plot.

Benny Safdie (Frank Manatee)

  • Full Name: Benjamin Safdie
  • Born: February 24, 1986 (New York City, New York, USA)
  • Career Highlights: American filmmaker and actor. Known for his directorial collaborations with his brother, Josh, on critically acclaimed films like Uncut Gems and Good Time. As an actor, he has appeared in Oppenheimer and Licorice Pizza.
  • Role in Sequel: Plays Frank Manatee, a tech-bro CEO who challenges Happy.

Bad Bunny (Oscar Mejías)

  • Full Name: Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio
  • Born: March 10, 1994 (Vega Baja, Puerto Rico)
  • Career Highlights: Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and songwriter. Instrumental in bringing Spanish-language Latin Trap and Reggaeton music to global attention. He is also a professional wrestler.
  • Role in Sequel: Joins the cast as Oscar Mejías.

The Full Roster: Returning Favorites and Star-Studded Newcomers

The official cast list for Happy Gilmore 2 confirms a massive ensemble, blending beloved characters from the original film with an unprecedented number of celebrity appearances. This approach is designed to honor the original’s spirit while injecting a fresh, modern comedic energy.

The Returning Legends

The sequel wouldn't be complete without the original cast members who made the first film a classic. Their return ensures the sequel maintains its nostalgic charm:

  • Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore
  • Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin
  • Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit Gilmore
  • Ben Stiller as Hal, the abusive orderly from the retirement home, who is confirmed to reprise his role.
  • Dennis Dugan, the director of the original Happy Gilmore, is confirmed to return in a cameo role.
  • Philip Schneider as Bobby

The Fresh Faces and Surprising Cameos

In a move that mirrors the original film’s use of celebrity spots, Happy Gilmore 2 is rumored to feature a staggering 72 celebrity cameos, making it one of the most cameo-heavy films in history. The new cast members and confirmed cameos bring a dynamic mix of music, comedy, and sports stars:

  • Benny Safdie as Frank Manatee
  • Bad Bunny as Oscar Mejías
  • Sunny Sandler as Vienna, Happy’s daughter.
  • Eminem (Cameo)
  • Eric André (Cameo)
  • Margaret Qualley (Cameo)
  • Haley Joel Osment (Cameo)
  • Kevin Nealon (Cameo)
  • Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) (Cameo)
  • Kelsey Plum (WNBA Star Cameo)

This extensive list of celebrity appearances, including athletes and musicians, underscores the film’s commitment to capturing the same fun, chaotic energy as the 1996 original. The sheer number of stars involved suggests that every scene could feature a surprise appearance.

The Shocking Plot Twist: Happy’s Darker New Reality

The most significant and controversial revelation about Happy Gilmore 2 is the darker turn the plot has taken, which sets the stage for Happy's return to competitive golf. The sequel picks up with Happy Gilmore as a widowed single father, having given up golf.

The Fate of Virginia Venit

A major plot point confirmed by the director, Kyle Newacheck, is the death of Virginia Venit, Happy’s wife and love interest from the first film. The shocking twist reveals that Virginia was accidentally killed by Happy during a golf tournament, a tragedy that led to his retirement and a struggle with alcoholism. Director Newacheck defended the decision, stating that the "darkness" of the premise was what drew him to the project, providing a strong emotional foundation for Happy’s comeback story.

The Reason for the Comeback

Happy’s return to the sport he loves (and hates) is driven by a powerful, relatable motivation: family. He re-enters the high-stakes world of professional golf to fund his daughter Vienna's ballet school tuition. This financial pressure forces him out of retirement and into a confrontation with the new antagonist, the tech-bro CEO Frank Manatee, played by Benny Safdie, and, inevitably, his long-time rival, Shooter McGavin.

The sequel promises a fresh take on the beloved character, exploring themes of grief, redemption, and the struggle of a former sports star to find his place in a modern world dominated by "tech bros." The blend of returning cast members, a surprising plot, and an army of celebrity cameos positions Happy Gilmore 2 as an essential watch in 2025.

cast happy gilmore 2
cast happy gilmore 2

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