Summary
The announcement ofHappy Gilmore 2is certainly exciting, but Sandler’s recent streak of dramatic roles shows even more promise for the celebrated actor. Sandler has starred in some of the greatest comedies of all time, becoming a dominant force in the comedy world during the 1990s and 2000s with classic films such asBilly Madison,The Waterboy,The Wedding Singer, and of course,Happy Gilmore. As Sandler has gotten older, however, he has focused more intently on starring in dramas such as 2022’sHustle.
Sandler first demonstrated he had a natural ability to star in dramatic roles inPaul Thomas Anderson’sPunch-Drunk Lovein 2002. That film took many people by surprise considering the prestige of the director, who would go on to direct cinematic masterpieces such asThere Will Be Blood,Phantom Thread, andThe Master, as the expected silliness ofSandler’s best characters. Sandler would then take on a dramatic part in Judd Apatow’sFunny People(2009) before starring as the iconic Howard Ratner inUncut Gems.
All 7 Celebrity & Golf Cameos In Happy Gilmore Explained
Happy Gilmore is loaded with celebrity cameos and professional golfer appearances that add a layer of legitimacy to the classic golf comedy.
Uncut Gems Proved Adam Sandler’s Best Future Was More Serious Roles
Sandler’s 2022 Netflix sports drama also received outstanding reviews
Happy Gilmore 2will stream on Netflixwhen it’s released, which will continue a modern streak of Sandler starring in Netflix films such as 2024’sSpaceman. In between all of Sandler’s Netflix projects, however, was a chaotic thriller called Uncut Gems, which saw Sandler in one of the most emotionally challenging yet naturally compelling roles of his career.Sandler completely sold the part of a gambling-addicted hustlerand jewelry salesman looking for a big win.Uncut Gemswas groundbreaking on many fronts, but Sandler far exceeded expectations.
Since the release ofUncut Gemsin 2019, Sandler has primarily returned to Netflix comedies and dramas that have been hit or miss.Hubie Halloween(2020) was Netflix’s most popular movie of 2020 despite receiving mixed reviews. 2023’sMurder Mystery 2andYou Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvahalso performed well without Sandler having to flex too many of his acting muscles.2022’sHustlesaw him back in a dramatic role as an NBA scoutand received a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, providing even more reason why Sandler should continue his dramatic streak.
Why There’s Still Hope For Adam Sandler’s Movie Future After Happy Gilmore 2
Sandler has more dramatic roles on the horizon with great directors
Although the Safdie Brothers, who directedUncut Gems, have split up for the time being, their highly anticipated second project starring Sandler is still considered to be in development.Sandler also has a track record with Noah Baumbach, the celebrated co-writer of 2023’sBarbieand director ofMarriage Story(2019), and is attached to star in another film written and directed by Baumbach following his appearance in his 2017 dramaThe Meyerowitz Stories. Sandler is unquestionably a comedic legend, but films likeUncut Gemsprove he is even more than that and should star in more dramas afterHappy Gilmore 2.
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Happy Gilmore 2
Cast
Happy Gilmore 2 sees the return of Adam Sandler in his iconic role as the retired golfer who steps back onto the green to support his daughter’s passion for ballet. Released in 2025, the film explores Gilmore’s renewed journey in golf to finance her dreams.
