Just when you thought Happy had taken his final swing, Happy Gilmore 2 has reignited fan excitement—and speculation—about a potential trilogy. Premiering on Netflix July 25th, 2025, the long-awaited sequel to the 1996 cult classic teed off to record-breaking numbers, topping the platform’s English-language movie chart and notching a staggering 46.7 million views within its first three days. It’s now the highest-debuting Adam Sandler project on the streamer, proving that Happy still has the chops and charm to draw a crowd nearly 30 years later.
But what’s next for the iconic hockey-turned-golf hothead? In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, screenwriter Tim Herlihy, the man behind both the original and the recent sequel, addressed the possibility of Happy Gilmore 3. While he admitted that no concrete conversations have taken place between him and Sandler, he didn’t rule it out.
“Not between me and Adam, I can say we haven’t had one discussion about it. I haven’t even thought about it in the privacy of my own brain. I’m sure some people in the world are talking about it. Never say never, I guess. We said we’d never do Happy Gilmore 2, and it’s currently streaming on Netflix, so you never know” Herlihy said.
That “never say never” could be just the glimmer of hope fans are looking for. Netflix has a well-documented history of greenlighting sequels to high-performing originals, especially when Sandler is involved. The streaming giant has nurtured a robust creative relationship with the comedy powerhouse, producing hits like Murder Mystery, Hustle, and their follow-ups. With Happy Gilmore 2 earning a 62% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes—almost identical to the original’s 63%—it’s clear that audiences are not only tuning in but enjoying the ride.
While Herlihy’s comments may not confirm Happy Gilmore 3, the sequel’s success has laid the groundwork for what could be another comedic comeback. For now, Happy Gilmore 2 is available to stream exclusively on Netflix. Whether Happy returns for one more round remains to be seen but fans can bet the conversation is far from over.
