The anticipation for Adam Sandler’s long-awaited sequel, Happy Gilmore 2, has reached fever pitch, and a recent sneak peek featuring an unexpected cameo from rap icon Eminem has sent fans into a frenzy. Set to premiere on Netflix on July 25, 2025, the film brings back the beloved underdog golfer Happy Gilmore, played by Sandler, nearly three decades after the original 1996 hit. But it’s the brief glimpse of Eminem, trading his mic for a golf club and a fiery exchange with Sandler, that has ignited excitement across social media and beyond. As of June 18, 2025, the internet is buzzing with reactions, turning this cinematic reunion into a cultural moment that blends hip-hop and comedy in a way few could have predicted.

A Star-Studded Return to the Green

Happy Gilmore 2 picks up years after the original, where Happy, a former hockey player turned golf sensation, saved his grandmother’s home with his unorthodox swing. This time, the plot revolves around Happy coming out of retirement to raise $300,000 for his daughter’s ballet tuition, portrayed by Sandler’s real-life daughter Sunny. Directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, the sequel promises a mix of nostalgia and fresh chaos. Returning cast members include Christopher McDonald as the smug Shooter McGavin, Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit, and Ben Stiller as the menacing orderly Hal L., alongside a slew of new faces like Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, and Post Malone.

The film’s production wrapped in December 2024 after shooting in New Jersey locations like Bedminster and Montclair, with Sandler teasing the project during a December 6, 2024, appearance on The Dan Patrick Show. He revealed the goal of a July 2025 release, adding pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up to the $41 million-grossing original. But the real surprise came with the confirmation of Eminem’s involvement, a detail Sandler shared with evident delight, calling the rapper “funny as hell” and noting a day of spontaneous filming that yielded a wealth of usable material.

Eminem’s Unexpected Swing

Eminem’s cameo, first hinted at in November 2024 when he was spotted on set, materialized in the full trailer released during Netflix’s Tudum 2025 event on May 31. Disguised with a bucket hat and a scruffy beard, the Detroit native appears briefly, engaging in a heated argument with Sandler’s character, calling him a “jackass” in a nod to his Slim Shady persona. Though his screen time is limited, the intensity and humor of the exchange have fans speculating about his role—perhaps a rival golfer or a quirky tournament official. Sandler’s praise of Eminem’s comedic timing, honed during their 2009 collaboration on Funny People, suggests a performance that could steal scenes despite its brevity.

This isn’t Eminem’s first foray into acting—his raw portrayal in 8 Mile (2002) earned an Oscar nod—but his Happy Gilmore 2 appearance marks a lighter, more playful side. Filming in New Jersey, he reportedly kept a low profile, impressing the cast with his natural comedic flair. The trailer also teases other rappers like Kid Cudi and Cam’ron, but it’s Eminem’s presence that has dominated discussions, bridging his musical legacy with Sandler’s comedic universe.

Fan Frenzy and Social Media Buzz

The reveal has unleashed a wave of excitement online. Fans have flooded platforms with reactions, from disbelief to ecstatic anticipation. Many recall Eminem’s cameo in Funny People, where he played a sardonic version of himself, and are eager to see how he adapts to the golf course chaos. Posts highlight his chemistry with Sandler, with some joking that Slim Shady might trade bars for birdies. The trailer’s release during Tudum 2025, alongside updates for Stranger Things and Wednesday, amplified the hype, making Happy Gilmore 2 a standout moment of the event.

The casting aligns with Sandler’s tradition of packing his films with cameos—think Bob Barker in the original or Jack Nicklaus in the sequel. Yet, Eminem’s inclusion feels particularly electric, given his 2024 album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 281,000 units. His recent political stances, like endorsing Kamala Harris alongside Barack Obama, add a layer of cultural relevance, making his film appearance a talking point beyond entertainment.

Behind the Scenes and Production Insights

Filming began on September 9, 2024, coinciding with Sandler’s 58th birthday, and spanned diverse New Jersey locales, from country clubs to public schools. The cast expanded with professional golfers like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, alongside WWE’s Becky Lynch and NFL’s Reggie Bush, creating a veritable who’s-who of sports and entertainment. Eminem’s day on set, as described by Sandler, was a freewheeling affair, with the rapper delivering “a million things we can use” through improvisation. This spontaneity mirrors the original’s off-the-cuff charm, a quality fans hope the sequel retains.

The production faced scrutiny over its delay—rumors of a sequel surfaced as early as 2022—but Netflix’s greenlight in May 2024 signaled confidence. Sandler has expressed nervousness about meeting expectations, telling The Tonight Show that the team “worked hard on the script” to honor the original. The loss of Carl Weathers, who played Chubbs, looms large, but the film pays tribute with returning elements and new energy, including Bad Bunny as Happy’s caddie.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Happy Gilmore 2 taps into a nostalgia wave, with Sandler at 58 revisiting a role he played at 29. The original’s quotable lines and slapstick golf fights remain cultural touchstones, and the sequel aims to recapture that spirit while updating it for a new generation. Eminem’s involvement bridges demographics, appealing to rap fans and Sandler loyalists alike. His recent SXSW London premiere of the documentary Stans further cements his cultural footprint, making this cameo a strategic move to keep his name in the spotlight.

Critics are divided. Some worry the sequel might lean too heavily on cameos, diluting the story, while others see it as a bold reinvention. The trailer’s mix of Happy’s temper tantrums and Eminem’s roast suggests a balance of old and new. Fans, however, are optimistic, with many citing Sandler’s recent successes like Hustle (2022) as proof of his enduring appeal.

What Lies Ahead

As the July 25 release date nears, speculation about Eminem’s full role continues. Will he have an extended scene, or is this a one-off jab? Sandler’s tease of “good stuff” and a focus on family themes hints at a heartfelt core, with the cameo adding flavor. The film’s star power—amplified by Eminem’s unexpected swing—positions it as a summer blockbuster, even on streaming.

For now, fans are reveling in the sneak peek, turning Happy Gilmore 2 into a phenomenon. Eminem’s transition from the stage to the screen, paired with Sandler’s return to his comedic roots, promises a collision of worlds that could redefine the franchise. As one fan put it online, “If Slim Shady can outdrive Happy, I’m here for it.” With the golf season in full swing, all eyes are on this unlikely duo to deliver a hole-in-one.