On August 1, 2025, Netflix released a behind-the-scenes video from Happy Gilmore 2, the long-awaited sequel to Adam Sandler’s 1996 comedy classic, and it’s rapper Eminem who’s stealing the spotlight. Playing Donald Floyd Jr., the son of the original film’s heckler, Eminem delivers a hilarious cameo, but it’s his fearless commitment to performing all his own stunts—no doubles, no shortcuts—that has fans and critics buzzing. The 20-second clip, shared by Eminem on Instagram and amplified across X, shows the 52-year-old rap icon diving into a muddy pond, wrestling a puppet alligator, and unleashing unscripted, profanity-laced improvisations that left the crew in stitches. This article dives into Eminem’s show-stealing performance, his hands-on approach to stunts, the Happy Gilmore 2 phenomenon, and the cultural impact of his return to acting.

Eminem’s Fearless Cameo and Stunt Work

Happy Gilmore 2, released on Netflix on July 25, 2025, smashed streaming records with 46.7 million views in its first three days, becoming Netflix’s biggest U.S. film debut ever. The film, directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, follows Happy Gilmore (Sandler), a widowed, alcoholic ex-golfer who returns to the sport to fund his daughter’s ballet school. Eminem’s role as Donald Jr., the son of the late Joe Flaherty’s heckler from the original, is a nod to the 1996 film’s iconic “jackass” taunt. In the sequel, Donald Jr. antagonizes Happy by shouting “jackass” during a pivotal golf swing, only to be tossed into an alligator-infested pond by Happy’s sons, played by Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Philip Fine Schneider, and others.

The behind-the-scenes video, posted by Eminem on Instagram, captures the chaos of his scene. Soaked in a muddy ditch, Eminem grapples with a puppet alligator, yelling, “Come on, fake-ass dinosaur, you ain’t got a d—k!” and “Put some respect on my name, b—h!” before jokingly adding, “I’ll get some Advil, I’ll be back in 20 minutes.” The clip, described as “pure Shady” by Eminem.Pro, showcases his unfiltered humor and willingness to fully embrace the role. Fans on X went wild, with @FrostyzWRLD tweeting, “Eminem in Happy Gilmore 2 doing his own stunts? The internet’s gonna lose it!” and @SonaShady8 adding, “#Eminem was hilarious, no doubles, just him in the water. Legend.”

What sets Eminem apart is his refusal to use a stunt double. Maxwell Jacob Friedman, who plays Happy’s son Gordy, told UPI, “I thought they’d use a double, but he was in the water, fully committed, improvising lines.” Philip Fine Schneider echoed, “He didn’t just show up—he stayed late, trying new takes, and wanted to be in there.” Eminem’s decision to perform his own stunts, including being “eaten” by the alligator multiple times, reflects his all-in mentality, a trait rooted in his disciplined lifestyle. Fans on Reddit’s r/Eminem marveled, with one user commenting, “How did he get eaten by alligators so many times and keep going? Em is immortal.”

Eminem’s Return to Acting

Eminem’s cameo in Happy Gilmore 2 marks his first feature film role since an uncredited appearance in 2014’s The Interview and his second collaboration with Sandler after 2009’s Funny People. Sandler, a longtime friend, revealed on The Dan Patrick Show that he hesitated to “bother” Eminem, who was busy making music in Detroit. “I love Eminem, but I didn’t want to ruin his time,” Sandler said. “Everyone kept saying, ‘Man, Eminem would be so funny in this part.’ So I called him and said, ‘Dude, I know it’s a pain, but it’s pretty funny.’” Eminem agreed, flying to New Jersey for a day of shooting in September 2024.

Their friendship dates back to 1999, when Eminem, performing with Dr. Dre at a Saturday Night Live afterparty, recognized Sandler as “Bobby Boucher” from The Waterboy. This camaraderie translated to the set, where Eminem’s comedic chops shone. Director Kyle Newacheck told Netflix’s Tudum, “Em brought this raw energy, just like he does in his music. He was fully in character, riffing like crazy.” The behind-the-scenes footage shows Eminem laughing with the crew, undeterred by the muddy pond or the physical demands of the scene, proving his versatility beyond music.

Eminem’s acting history, including his acclaimed role in 8 Mile (2002), which earned him an Oscar for “Lose Yourself,” has always been selective. His Happy Gilmore 2 cameo, though brief, has reignited calls for more acting roles. Fans on X, like @LevertonCameron, posted, “Eminem’s cameo is the best part of #HappyGilmore2,” while @RICINDOYLER called it “the funniest thing ever.” On Reddit, u/MasterHospital noted, “Seeing that goofy Em put a big smile on my face,” with others demanding a full hour of outtakes, referencing Sandler’s claim of extensive footage.

Happy Gilmore 2’s Cultural Phenomenon

Happy Gilmore 2’s success, driven by nostalgia and a star-studded cast, has revitalized interest in the original, which hit No. 3 on Netflix’s global Top 10 Movies chart with 11.4 million views the same week. The sequel, filmed in New Jersey from September to December 2024, features cameos from Travis Kelce, Bad Bunny, Post Malone, and pro golfers like Rory McIlroy and John Daly. Despite mixed reviews—Rotten Tomatoes scores hover around 62%—the film’s 46.7 million views reflect its fan-driven appeal. Critics like Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence gave it a B-, praising its “wild golf stunts” and Eminem’s “scene-stealing cameo,” while others, like ABC News, called it a “rehash” of the original.

Eminem’s role taps into the film’s nostalgic callbacks, with his character echoing Joe Flaherty’s heckler from 1996. The behind-the-scenes video highlights this connection, with Verne Lundquist’s commentary referencing Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” with the line, “My palms are sweaty, mom’s spaghetti.” The film also honors deceased cast members like Flaherty and Carl Weathers, with tributes like tombstones and a heavenly scene featuring Bob Barker and Happy’s grandma. Eminem’s improvisations, including shouting “F—k you, Detroit, what?” add a personal touch, nodding to his hometown while staying in character.

Eminem’s Disciplined Mindset

Eminem’s commitment to performing his own stunts aligns with his well-documented disciplined lifestyle. Celebrating 17 years of sobriety in April 2025, Eminem has replaced addiction with a rigorous fitness regimen, running 17 miles daily and following a structured studio schedule. His physical transformation—from 230 pounds during his addiction to a lean 149 pounds—mirrors the dedication seen on the Happy Gilmore 2 set. “Em’s all about going all in, whether it’s music or this,” Friedman told UPI, noting his professionalism inspired younger cast members.

This discipline extends to his mental resilience. Eminem’s recovery from a 2007 overdose, detailed in songs like “Arose” from Revival (2017), involved therapy, mentorship from Elton John, and a focus on fatherhood to his daughters, Hailie, Alaina, and Stevie. His Instagram post of his 17-year sobriety chip, shared just months before the Happy Gilmore 2 release, drew praise from fans who see parallels between his recovery and his fearless stunt work. One X user wrote, “Eminem doing his own stunts in Happy Gilmore 2 is peak Shady—same energy as him fighting addiction and winning.”

Cultural Impact and Fan Reaction

The behind-the-scenes video has amplified Eminem’s cultural relevance, bridging his music and acting careers. Fans on Reddit’s r/hiphopheads called his cameo “a throwback to 8 Mile energy,” with one user joking, “Em doing a Dark Souls roll into that pond is hilarious.” The clip’s viral spread, with over 271 upvotes on r/Eminem, reflects his enduring fanbase. Social media reactions highlight his comedic timing, with @TrevorDame tweeting, “MJF throws Eminem in a pond in Happy Gilmore 2. That’s a weird sentence,” capturing the surreal joy of the moment.

The video also underscores Netflix’s savvy marketing, building on the film’s record-breaking debut. By releasing Eminem’s outtakes, Netflix tapped into his global fanbase, driving further interest in the sequel. The film’s success, coupled with Eminem’s unfiltered performance, has sparked calls for more acting roles, with fans on X urging, “Em needs to do more movies. This energy is unreal.” The cameo’s impact extends beyond comedy, reinforcing Eminem’s legacy as a multifaceted artist who thrives under pressure, whether on stage, in the studio, or in an alligator-infested pond.

A New Chapter for Eminem

Eminem’s Happy Gilmore 2 cameo, amplified by the behind-the-scenes video, is more than a nostalgic stunt—it’s a testament to his relentless work ethic and versatility. Performing his own stunts with no doubles, Eminem brought the same intensity to the set that has defined his 25-year career, from The Slim Shady LP to The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) in 2024. As he prepares for future music projects, teased by Dr. Dre for 2025, his foray into Happy Gilmore 2 reminds fans of his ability to surprise and captivate. For now, the image of Eminem wrestling a puppet alligator, dripping wet and shouting improvised lines, is a cultural moment that proves Marshall Mathers is still a man on a mission.