That earlier film saw him take up golf when he discovered an unusual talent for the sport after years failing to make it as a pro ice hockey player, and in this new one Happy will be coming out of retirement one last time – with all sorts of shenanigans bound to ensue as a result.
Sandler isn’t the only famous face back for the sequel: Ben Stiller is reprising his small role as Hal, Christopher McDonald is back as Happy’s fierce rival Shooter McGavin, and Julie Bowen returns as former public relations director and Happy’s love interest Virginia Venit.
Read on for everything you need to know about the Happy Gilmore 2 cast.
Happy Gilmore 2 cast: New and returning stars
You can find a full cast list below – scroll down for more detailed information about the major players.
- Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore
- Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit
- Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin
- Benny Safdie as Frank Manatee
- Sunny Sandler as Vienna Gilmore
- Bad Bunny as Oscar Mejias
- Ben Stiller as Hal L
- Dennis Dugan as Doug Thompson
- Kevin Nealon as Gary Potter
- Lavell Crawford as Slim Peterson
- Kym Whitley as Bessie
- Haley Joel Osment as Billy Jenkins
- Jackie Sandler as Monica
- Sadie Sandler as Charlotte
- Ethan Cutkosky as Wayne
- Maxwell Jacob Friedman as Gordie
- Philip Schneider as Bobby
- Conor Sherry as Terry
- Steve Buscemi as Bad Neighbour Pat
- Blake Clark as Beach Man
- John Farley as Nate
- Margaret Qualley as Sally
- Eric Andre as Steiner
- Martin Herlihy as Fitzy
- Austin Post as DJ Omar Gosh
- Jack Giarraputo as Jack Beard
- Scott Mescudi as FBI Agent
- Eminem as Donald Jr
- Post Malone as
- Reggie Bush as 8 Ball
- Travis Kelce as The Waiter
- Tim Herlihy as Dr Hertz
Save up to 30% on the latest releases at Vue in 2025
Are you a movie lover who always wants to be up to date with the latest releases? Then you’re in luck, as RadioTimes.com readers can enjoy new films at Vue Cinemas for less.
Customers will receive up to 30% off films with Vue Pass, as long as they have a RadioTimes.com account.
It’s a great time for new releases, with films such as Wicked, Nosferatu, The Brutalist and Moana 2 taking UK cinemas by storm.
Head to your nearest Vue to catch these movies and more for up to 30% less if you’re signed up as a RadioTimes.com member.
The following golfers also appear as themselves: Keegan Bradley, Bryson DeChambeau, John Daly, Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Nelly Korda, Nancy Lopez, Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, Jack Nicklaus, Corey Pavin, Xander Schauffele, Paige Spiranac, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Lee Trevino and Will Zalatoris.
Adam Sandler plays Happy Gilmore
Who is Happy Gilmore? In the original film, hot-headed Happy unexpectedly found success on the PGA tour after turning to golf after years failing to become an ice hockey player. The new film sees him come out of retirement to return to the sport.
What else has Adam Sandler been in? Sandler is best known for appearing in a string of comedies including the original Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, The Waterboy, The Wedding Singer, Big Daddy, Mr Deeds, 50 First Dates, The Longest Yard, Click, Grown Ups, Just Go with It, Blended, Murder Mystery and Hubie Halloween. He has also garnered acclaim for dramatic roles in films such as Punch Drunk Love, The Meyerowitz Stories, Uncut Gems and Hustle.
Julie Bowen plays Virginia Venit
Who is Virginia Venit? The former public relations director for the golf tour – who ends up becoming romantically involved with Happy. The new film opens with them happily married.
What else has Julie Bowen been in? Another returnee from the first film, these days Bowen is best known for her role as Claire Dunphy in Modern Family. Other film roles include Joe Somebody, Horrible Bosses, Life of the Party, Hubie Halloween (alongside Sandler) and Totally Killer, while she’s also had TV parts on a number of series including ER, Lost and Boston Legal.
Christopher McDonald plays Shooter McGavin
Who is Shooter McGavin? Happy’s biggest golfing rival – a rude and big-headed champion who did not take kindly to the new kid on the block in the first film.
What else has Christopher McDonald been in? McDonald’s role as Shooter in the original Happy Gilmore remains arguably his most well-known role, but he’s also racked up credits in such varied films as Grease 2, Thelma & Louise, Quiz Show, Flubber, Requiem for a Dream, The House Bunny and Rosaline. On the small screen, he’s had stints on shows including Family Law, Ballers and Hacks.
Benny Safdie plays Frank Manatee
Who is Frank Manatee? A shady businessman who has created a rival golf league called Maxi Golf and is trying to upend the world of the sport.
What else has Benny Safdie been in? Safdie is best known for his work behind the camera – directing several films including Good Time and Uncut Gems with his brother Josh – but he’s also starred in several films including Pieces of a Woman, Licorice Pizza, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Oppenheimer. He also appeared in one episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi and had a main role in The Curse – which he co-created with Nathan Fielder.
Sunny Sandler plays Vienna Gilmore
Who is Vienna Gilmore? Happy’s daughter who dreams of becoming a professional dancer.
What else has Sunny Sandler been in? Sandler has previously had roles in a number of films starring her father Adam – including small parts in Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, Grown Ups and Hustle, and a leading role in You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio plays Oscar Mejias
Who is Oscar Mejias? Happy’s new caddy who he hires after returning to the tour.
What else has Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio been in? Predominantly known for releasing music under the alias Bad Bunny, Ocasio’s previous acting roles include Lookout in F9, Everardo Arturo ‘Kitty’ Paez in Narcos: Mexico and The Wolf in Bullet Train.
Ben Stiller plays Hal L
Who is Hal L? The retirement home orderly from the first film, who now runs a support group.
What else has Ben Stiller been in? Stiller is one of the most familiar faces in film, with some of his most memorable roles including There’s Something About Mary, Meet the Parents, The Royal Tenenbaums, Zoolander, Along Came Polly, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Tropic Thunder, the Night at the Museum films, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and The Meyerowitz Stories. More recently, he’s earned major plaudits as lead director of the hit Apple TV+ series Severance.
Lavell Crawford plays Slim Peterson
Who is Slim Peterson? The son of Happy’s late mentor Chubbs Peterson – who was played by the late Carl Weathers. Like his father, Slim also sports a prosthetic hand.
What else has Lavell Crawford been in? Crawford is best known for his role as Huell Babineaux in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, and has previously appeared in a couple of other Sandler films including The Ridiculous 6 and Hubie Halloween.
Happy Gilmore 2 is streaming on Netflix from Friday 25th July 2025.
Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
