In an exciting development for comedy fans, Ben Stiller is set to reprise his role from the 1996 sports comedy classic "Happy Gilmore" in the upcoming sequel, "Happy Gilmore 2." The long-awaited follow-up, backed by Netflix, is currently in production in New Jersey.
Adam Sandler, the star of the original film, will once again lead the cast as the titular character. Joining Sandler and Stiller are returning actors Christopher McDonald as the antagonistic Shooter McGavin and Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit, Happy's love interest.
The sequel also introduces fresh faces to the "Happy Gilmore" universe. Comedian Nick Swardson, filmmaker Benny Safdie, musician Bad Bunny, actor Margaret Qualley, and NFL star Travis Kelce are all set to appear in the film.
Behind the camera, Kyle Newacheck takes on directing duties, working from a script penned by Sandler and his frequent collaborator Tim Herlihy. This marks a change from the original, which was directed by Dennis Dugan.
While plot details remain under wraps, Sandler has hinted at the storyline. Speaking on Travis Kelce's New Heights podcast in August, he revealed, "The movie itself picks up from an older guy who played golf a long time ago. Some stuff goes on in his life, and he's different. He's a bit of a mess. And then we try to get his life cooking again."
Stiller's return as Hal, the nursing home orderly, has been confirmed through paparazzi shots from the set, showing him wearing his character's name tag.
The original "Happy Gilmore" was a significant success, grossing $40 million against a $12 million budget. It played a crucial role in establishing Sandler as a leading comedy star of his generation.
As production continues, fans eagerly await more details about this highly anticipated sequel to one of the most beloved sports comedies of the '90s.