The real Barker died two years ago in 2023, at the age of 99. But Sandler pays tribute to their epic fight in Happy Gilmore 2, with a new fight, this time between Gilmore and his longtime rival, Shooter McGavin, played once again by the hilarious Christopher McDonald.

Not every cast member could return for "Happy Gilmore 2." Here's what you need to know about Chubbs, who was played by Carl Weathers.

This summer, Sandler returned to the golf course with "Happy Gilmore 2," out July 25 on Netflix. Directed by Kyle Newacheck and written by Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler, the sequel features new roles for Bad Bunny, Margaret Qualley and Benny Safdie.

Adam Sandler is disappointed that one very important part of "Happy Gilmore" will not be happening for the sequel coming to Netflix on July 25.

Adam Sandler shares how Carl Weathers’ death led to major changes in 'Happy Gilmore 2,' where the late actor was set for a significant role.

Richard Kiel, an iconic Bond villain who portrayed a giant Happy Gilmore fan who intimidates rival Shooter McGavin in the first film, is honored by having his character's son appear in the sequel. Kiel died at 74 in 2014.

Adam Sandler returns as the hotheaded golfer in a follow-up that trades scrappy irreverence for overstuffed bombast.

On February 16, 1996, Universal Pictures introduced Happy Gilmore to audiences. The Adam Sandler starrer went on to gross $41 million and became a cable TV perennial enroute to its belated Netflix sequel in 2025. The Hollywood Reporter’s original review is below: