One of the entertainment world’s most popular and successful Jewish funnymen appears poised to revive a celebrated 1990s character that laid the foundation for a career leading him to become 2023’s highest-paid actor, bringing in an estimated $73 million.
Actor Christopher McDonald said that “about two weeks ago” Adam Sandler had shared with him a first draft of “Happy Gilmore 2,” a sequel to the 1996 sports comedy.
“McDonald, you’re gonna love this,” Sandler reportedly told the actor, who played the antagonist of the first film, Shooter McGavin.
“I said, ‘What?’” McDonald said. “He says, ‘How about that?’ and he shows me the first draft of ‘Happy Gilmore 2.’”
McDonald said he thought, “Wow, that would be awesome” and that “it’s in the works. Fans demand it.”
Sandler jump-started his comedic empire with seven starring roles in films between 1995 and 2002: “Billy Madison,” “Happy Gilmore,” “The Wedding Singer,” “The Waterboy,” “Big Daddy” and “Little Nicky,” culminating with rare critical acclaim in the artsy “Punch-Drunk Love.”
His persona in these works was generally an innocent, likable character prone to fits of powerful and frequently hilarious rage. “Happy Gilmore” featured a washed-up hockey player who finds golf success by channeling his anger into over-the-top running swings.
No release date has been announced or confirmation given that the project has moved beyond an initial script. One potential distribution partner for such a project could be Netflix, where Sandler signed multiple deals over the last decade, leading to his last 10 movies debuting on the streaming giant.
