Adam Sandler admits fan pressure led to him finally bringing back Happy Gilmore after nearly 30 years
The 58-year-old actor and comedian confirmed the long-anticipated sequel during an appearance on Good Morning America on Monday, 21 July, and explained devotees of the golf spoof film had consistently asked about a follow-up to the 1996 comedy.
He said: 'When I walk(ed) down the street a lotta times people (would) say, 'You ever gonna do Happy Gilmore 2?'
'And for 28 years, I was like, 'What are you talking about? No.' And then all of a sudden, I was like, 'Maybe'... people kept asking. And then it just felt right.'
In Happy Gilmore 2, Adam reprises his role as the foul-mouthed, hockey-loving golfer.
He said about how the follow-up film picks up at a more turbulent time in the character's life: 'His life isn't perfect right now – at least at the beginning of the movie. And he's a family man, and he's gettin' back into the golf game.'
The new cast includes returning co-stars Ben Stiller, 58, Christopher McDonald, 70, and Julie Bowen, 54, along with newcomers such as NFL star Travis Kelce, 34, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, 30, and several professional golfers.
When asked how such a wide-ranging ensemble was assembled, Adam said: 'I don't know how it happened.
'We wrote 'em stuff and everybody was kind enough to come. And everybody in it did a great job.'
He added: 'Every day someone cool would show up and we'd hang out.'
Christopher, who returns as villainous Shooter McGavin, said earlier this year Adam and Netflix had 'outdone themselves' with the sequel.
Speaking to People magazine, he said: 'What I love about Adam Sandler is his heart. He's got so much love for people... and he's done some amazing work in the last few years. So I'm very happy for him.'
Pressed for plot details, Christopher said he had signed a non-disclosure agreement, adding: 'This is kind of a big deal.'
Adam previously discussed plans for follow-up film on Travis Kelce's New Heights podcast in 2023, on which he said: 'The movie itself picks up from an older guy who played golf a long time. Some stuff goes on in his life, and he's different – he's a bit of a mess. And then we try to get his life cooking again.'
Happy Gilmore 2 will be released on Netflix on 25 July.
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