Bittersweet Anticipation for *Happy Gilmore 2*
Adam Sandler has revealed some tough changes he made to Happy Gilmore 2 following the passing of Carl Weathers. It’s been nearly 30 years since Sandler last stepped into the shoes of the iconic Bruins jersey-wearing golfer, and while fans have eagerly awaited the sequel, seeing Happy without his mentor will surely add a layer of melancholy.
In the original 1996 film, Weathers brought to life Derick “Chubbs” Peterson, a former professional golfer who humorously dons a wooden hand after a fateful encounter with an alligator. Chubbs’s mentorship played a significant role in Happy’s journey to golf stardom. Unfortunately, Weathers passed away in February 2024, leaving a noticeable absence in the sequel’s narrative.
In a candid conversation with Collider, Sandler shared that Weathers had a “massive part” in the upcoming sequel, leading to substantial rewrites. “We had a painful change. I would talk to Carl, and we were excited, and then Carl passed away. We had to rewrite a lot of the stuff and even what the story was. We made a lot of nice references to how great Chubbs was in the movie. That was the biggest change,” Sandler expressed.
Originally, the sequel would have seen Chubbs appearing in Happy’s dreams, where his son would confront Happy over his father’s demise. Sandler reflected, “In the first version that we came up with, he had a son… who was mad at Happy for causing the death of daddy.” This imaginative narrative would have deepened the emotional stakes of the story.
A Shift in Focus
Despite Chubbs’s demise in the first film, Sandler had plans to creatively resurrect him within the sequel. Alongside returning cast members like Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Dennis Dugan, Christopher McDonald will reprise his role as the antagonist Shooter McGavin. While Chubbs’s absence is saddening, Sandler ingeniously decided to bring in Chubbs’ son, portrayed by Lavell Crawford, offering a fresh dynamic. In the trailer, when Crawford tells Happy that his dad loved him, it showcases a departure from the anticipated animosity, setting a tone of reconciliation.
Carl Weathers was not only a titan of cinema but also a cultural icon. He shot to fame in the ’70s and ’80s with legendary roles in films like Rocky and Predator. More recently, he gained a new generation of fans through his role as Greef Karga in The Mandalorian, proving his wide-ranging talent. His charisma and engaging presence elevated the role of Chubbs, showcasing his comedic abilities that added depth to the character.
The void left by Weathers will undoubtedly be felt in Happy Gilmore 2. Yet, with Sandler choosing to honor his legacy through meaningful references in the film, fans can still expect considerable excitement. Anticipations rise not just for the return of beloved characters but also for a slew of celebrity cameos, including Travis Kelce, Post Malone, and Rory McIlroy. Mark your calendars for July 25, as Netflix prepares to unveil this bittersweet sequel, filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a heartfelt tribute.
Source: Collider