Adam Sandler’s daughters shine in Happy Gilmore 2, taking their first major starring roles opposite their father in Netflix’s long‑awaited sequel. This article deep‑dives into their standout performances, the father‑daughter chemistry, celebrity cameos, behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes, and what it all means for the Sandler family legacy in Hollywood.
A Sequel Nearly 30 Years in the Making
Happy Gilmore 2 finally premiered on Netflix on July 25, 2025, almost 30 years after the beloved original hit theaters in 1996. The story adopts a darker comedic tone, opening with a shocking tragedy: Happy’s wife Virginia (Julie Bowen) is unintentionally killed by one of his powerful golf swings. This dramatic hook propels Happy into an emotional and financial crisis, compelling him to return to golf to support his daughter’s ballet aspirations.
Director Kyle Newacheck and co‑writers Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler recreate the original spirit while introducing new themes of grief, legacy, and redemption.
Sadie & Sunny: Taking Center Stage
In Happy Gilmore 2, Adam Sandler’s real‑life daughters, Sadie (19, playing an undercover FBI agent) and Sunny (16, as his daughter Vienna) take on pivotal roles. Sunny’s character serves as the emotional core: a ballet prodigy whose dreams motivate Happy’s comeback. Sadie adds comedic intrigue and plot twists nestled in Happy’s support group storyline.
Director Newacheck praised both girls as “very talented,” noting their professionalism, chemistry with Adam and each other, and on‑set creativity. Julie Bowen, reprising her role as Virginia Venit, lauded Sandler’s supportive and attentive parenting, especially how he adjusted costumes to ensure his daughters felt confident on set.
Adam’s Proud Dad Moment
Adam Sandler told E! News he experiences “relief” watching his daughters perform—likening it to the nerves of a baseball parent seeing their kid get a hit. That sports metaphor perfectly illustrates Sandler’s pride and protective approach: he supports their ambitions—but doesn’t hover unless asked.
At the red carpet premiere in New York City on July 21, 2025, the entire Sandler family posed together—Adam, his wife Jackie, Sadie and Sunny—making headlines for their authentic and warm family presence.
Cameos & Nostalgia: A Star‑Studded Reunion
Happy Gilmore 2 is packed with cameos and returning characters: Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller (as a more serious Hal L.), John Daly playing himself, and a host of golfing legends like Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffler, and Jack Nicklaus. Famous musicians and athletes like Bad Bunny (as Happy’s caddie), Eminem, Travis Kelce, Post Malone, Ken Jennings, and many more add a nostalgic yet fresh energy. TIME
Critics note that the film leans more into nostalgic callbacks and cameo cameos than plot cohesion—calling it a “reunion of friends” with less structural tightness than the original.
Themes of Grief, Family & Legacy
While Happy Gilmore 2 delivers slapstick comedy, it also explores deeper themes: grief, responsibility, and evolving family roles. The accidental death of Virginia casts a poignant shadow, steering Happy from reckless humor to a redemptive emotional arc. GQ
The sequel honors original characters who’ve passed—Carl Weathers’ Chubbs appears in spirit while his on‐screen son Slim (Lavell Crawford) takes up his mantle. Ultimately, the film balances generational comedy with emotional weight, anchored by the Sandler family’s real-life bond.
Conclusion
Happy Gilmore 2 is more than a nostalgic sequel—it’s a heartfelt family project where Adam Sandler entrusts major on-screen roles to his daughters Sadie and Sunny. Their performances serve as powerful proof that the Sandler cinematic legacy is evolving. With touching tributes, celebrity cameos, and Sandler’s signature blend of goofiness and sincerity, the movie stakes its place as a modern family comedy with emotional depth.
Adam’s fatherly pride, Sunny’s emotional arc as Vienna, Sadie’s comic undercover twist, and the return of beloved characters combine to deliver both laughs and heart. Though critics point to a loose structure and reliance on star power, fans of the original will find comfort in familiar faces and fresh additions alike.
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