Plot Outline: The beloved 1996 sports comedy starring Adam Sandler as a failed hockey player turned golf sensation.
Who's Involved:
Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Kevin Nealon, Robert Smigel, Christopher McDonald, Allen Covert, Carl Weathers, Lee Trevino, Bob Barker, Frances Bay
Release Date:
Sunday, April 27, 2025 Limited Theaters
Happy Gilmore Plot: What's it about?
After his dream of stardom on the hockey ice melts, Happy Gilmore discovers he has a gift that could bring him glory on the greens. Trouble is, with his hot head and hard-hitting drives, Happy doesn't just play golf…he destroys it. With the help of a retired golfer (Carl Weathers) and hot publicist (Julie Bowen), can Happy perfect his game and tame his temper to win the tournament prize money?
Official Synopsis
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Happy Gilmore Cast List & Characters
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Happy Gilmore Crew and Production Team
A look at the Happy Gilmore behind-the-scenes crew and production team.
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Happy Gilmore Trailer
Happy Gilmore Production and Filming
Key Facts
- Happy Gilmore was directed by Dennis Dugan, launching a successful partnership with Sandler spanning multiple comedies, including Big Daddy (1999), I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007), You Don’t Mess with the Zohan (2008), Grown Ups (2010), Just Go with It (2011), Jack and Jill (2011) and Grown Ups 2 (2013).
2025-04-17 - Happy Gilmore features a stellar supporting cast including Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s arch-rival who plots increasingly elaborate schemes to orchestrate Happy’s downfall. Julie Bowen stars as tour publicist Virginia Venit, Frances Bay as Happy’s grandmother and Carl Weathers as Chubbs Peterson, a former pro golfer who becomes Happy’s mentor. Professional golfers Lee Trevino and Mark Lye make special appearances, along with beloved television personality Bob Barker in an unforgettable cameo role.
2025-04-17 - Originally released in February 1996, Happy Gilmore was created on a modest $12 million budget and earned more than $40 million during its initial theatrical run. The film was co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, following their successful collaboration on Sandler’s first starring vehicle, Billy Madison (1995). 2025-04-17
- Universal Pictures is thrilled to announce the nationwide theatrical re-release of Happy Gilmore. Audiences nationwide can experience this comedy classic on the big screen during special screenings on April 27 and April 30. 2025-04-17
Happy Gilmore Filming Timeline
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— Happy Gilmore entered Completed status.
Awaiting release by the distributor; a release date may or may not be available.
Happy Gilmore Release Date: When was the film released?
Happy Gilmore was released in limited theaters on . One other film is opening on the same date, including Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality. The movie was released in select theaters in major markets.
At home release details for Happy Gilmore haven't been announced yet. Check back for updates on DVD, Blu-ray, Digital and VOD availability.
Happy Gilmore FAQ
Explore the Happy Gilmore franchise — a series of films spanning 2025. View the series timeline in release order.
Happy Gilmore Movies in Release Order
Browse the connected films in franchise order.
Top Collaborators
Frequent cast and crew across the franchise.
- Adam Sandler Actor, Executive Producer, Producer, Screenwriter2 appearances
- Christopher McDonald Actor2 appearances
- Julie Bowen Actor2 appearances
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