The wait is over for fans of Adam Sandler’s iconic golf comedy, as Happy Gilmore 2 officially has a release date: July 25, 2025, on Netflix. Nearly three decades after the original 1996 film cemented Sandler as a comedy superstar, the sequel promises to deliver the same irreverent humor, heartfelt moments, and star-studded surprises that made the first a cult classic. But the real buzz surrounding the film centers on a jaw-dropping cameo from none other than rap legend Eminem, who trades his microphone for golf clubs in a role that’s already being hailed as “insane” and “funny as hell.” With production wrapped in December 2024, anticipation is sky-high for this unexpected pairing of Sandler’s slapstick chaos and Eminem’s razor-sharp wit. Here’s everything we know about Happy Gilmore 2, its release, and the cameo that’s got everyone talking.

The original Happy Gilmore, released in 1996, followed the misadventures of Happy Gilmore, a washed-up hockey player with a temper and a monstrous slap shot who stumbles into professional golf to save his grandmother’s house. The film’s blend of crude humor, memorable one-liners, and heartfelt redemption grossed $41 million on a $12 million budget, becoming one of Sandler’s most beloved works. Fans have clamored for a sequel for years, and after decades of speculation, Netflix confirmed the project in May 2024, with Sandler reprising his role as the unorthodox golfer. Directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, Happy Gilmore 2 picks up nearly 30 years later, diving back into Happy’s chaotic world with a fresh cast and a slew of celebrity cameos.

The announcement of Eminem’s involvement came as a shock to fans, revealed by Sandler himself during a December 2024 appearance on The Dan Patrick Show. “I’ve known Eminem for a long time, and he’s a great guy,” Sandler shared, his excitement palpable. “He came in and was funny as hell. We hung out all day, shot and shot, and he said a million things we can use—and a million things we’re glad we have on tape.” The rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, reportedly plays Donald Floyd Jr., the son of the late heckler Donald Sr. from the original film, who famously taunted Happy with lines like “You will not make this putt, you jackass!” Sources close to the production say Eminem’s character continues the family tradition of antagonizing Happy, leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic encounters that push the golfer to his limits.

Eminem’s cameo is no random stunt casting. Sandler revealed that the idea came up during scriptwriting, with the team agreeing that Eminem’s quick wit and intense persona would be perfect for the role. “Everybody kept saying, ‘Man, Eminem would be so funny in this part,’” Sandler recounted. “I didn’t want to bother him—he’s in Detroit, making records, living his life—but I called and said, ‘Dude, it’s a pain, but it’s pretty funny. Can you shoot with us for a day?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, send me the stuff.’” The result was a day of filming in New Jersey in November 2024, where Eminem reportedly improvised lines so sharp they left the crew in stitches. One insider teased that Eminem’s character taunts Happy with a biting quip—“I know a lot about fighting; I’ll bite your leg off!”—before meeting a comically grim fate involving an alligator-infested lake.

This isn’t Eminem’s first foray into acting. He earned critical acclaim for his semi-autobiographical role in 8 Mile (2002) and popped up in Sandler’s Funny People (2009), where he played a version of himself in a memorable scene. But Happy Gilmore 2 marks a new chapter, showcasing Eminem in a purely comedic role that leans into his knack for delivering biting humor with deadpan delivery. Fans are already buzzing about the potential for iconic lines, with some speculating that Eminem’s cameo could rival Bob Barker’s legendary fight scene from the original. “Eminem trading bars for golf clubs? I’m sold,” one fan tweeted, while another posted, “If Marshall Mathers is heckling Happy Gilmore, this movie’s gonna be a classic.”

The sequel’s plot dives deeper into Happy’s life after his 1996 Tour Championship win. Now a retired golfer with five championships under his belt, Happy is grappling with personal tragedy and new challenges. After accidentally causing the death of his wife, Virginia Venit (played by Julie Bowen, reprising her role), in 2014 with an errant golf shot, Happy spirals into alcoholism and loses everything to a repossession lawsuit. Living with his teenage daughter Vienna, who dreams of attending a $75,000-a-year ballet school in Paris, Happy is lured back to golf by John Daly to join the controversial Maxi Golf league, run by the shady Frank Manatee. The story culminates in a high-stakes match pitting Happy and a team of traditional golfers—including Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, and Scottie Scheffler—against Maxi Golf’s enhanced players, with Happy facing off against his old rival, Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald).

Eminem’s cameo is just one of many in Happy Gilmore 2, which boasts a stacked roster of guest stars. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus makes an appearance, alongside pros like Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele, and Collin Morikawa. Other celebrities include Bad Bunny as Happy’s caddie Oscar Mejías, Travis Kelce as a yet-to-be-revealed character, and Margaret Qualley in a “deep background” role. Rappers Cam’ron, Kid Cudi, and Post Malone also pop up, with Cam’ron playing himself as a sports commentator and Post Malone appearing as a DJ. “The cameos are wild,” Sandler teased on The Dan Patrick Show. “We had all these great golfers and stars come by, and it’s just a blast.” Dan Patrick himself, who hosts the show, has a small role, adding to the film’s eclectic mix.

The film’s July 25, 2025, release date was confirmed at Netflix’s Tudum event, dispelling earlier rumors of a spring launch tied to the Masters Tournament. Sandler clarified, “Not July 4th, but we’re trying to get it done for July. You never know what’s going to happen, but that’s the plan.” The date positions Happy Gilmore 2 as a summer blockbuster, capitalizing on Netflix’s global reach to draw both nostalgic fans and a new generation. The trailer, unveiled in June 2025, teases Happy’s return to the green, complete with his signature hockey-stick putter and a chaotic golf cart crash, hinting at the high-energy comedy to come. Eminem’s brief appearance in the trailer—sporting a golf visor and smirking as he taunts Happy—has already gone viral, with fans dissecting every frame for clues about his role.

Social media is ablaze with excitement, with hashtags like #HappyGilmore2 and #EminemCameo trending globally. “Eminem in a golf movie? This is the crossover I didn’t know I needed,” one X user posted, while another wrote, “Sandler and Eminem together is gonna break Netflix.” However, some fans are skeptical, questioning whether the cameo-heavy approach risks overshadowing the story. “I love Eminem, but I hope the movie’s not just a parade of celebrities,” one Reddit user commented. Others defend the star power, arguing it mirrors the original’s charm, with cameos like Barker’s and Lee Trevino’s adding to its legacy.

For Eminem, the cameo is a playful detour from his music career, which saw a resurgence with his 2024 album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). Known for his reclusive nature, the rapper’s willingness to join Happy Gilmore 2 speaks to his longstanding friendship with Sandler, which dates back to their Funny People collaboration. “I remember meeting him at SNL in the ‘90s,” Sandler recalled. “He walked by, I said ‘Bobby Boucher!’ and he said, ‘That’s what’s up!’ We’ve been cool ever since.” The cameo also aligns with Eminem’s recent ventures into comedy, including his work on The Slim Shady Show and The Interview (2014).

For Sandler, Happy Gilmore 2 is a passion project, blending nostalgia with fresh stakes. Returning cast members like Ben Stiller as Hal L., the shady caretaker, and Dennis Dugan in a small role add continuity, while new faces like Benny Safdie and Nick Swardson bring modern flair. The film’s themes of redemption, family, and defying the odds resonate with Sandler’s signature style, balancing crude humor with heartfelt moments. “It’s Happy’s story, but it’s also about fighting for what matters,” Sandler said in a Netflix interview.

As July 25, 2025, approaches, Happy Gilmore 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch event. Eminem’s cameo, with its promise of hilarity and chaos, is the cherry on top of a sequel that aims to honor its predecessor while swinging for new heights. Whether he’s heckling Happy or meeting an alligator-fueled demise, Eminem’s golf course antics are sure to leave audiences speechless. Get ready to return to the fairway—it’s going to be a wild ride.