Travis Kelce is set to make his big-screen debut in a high-profile cameo, as Adam Sandler confirmed that the Kansas City Chiefs tight end will appear in the much-anticipated sequel, “Happy Gilmore 2.”
Sandler, appearing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” shared the exciting news, revealing that Kelce will have a special role in the Netflix film, which is gearing up to start filming in the coming weeks. The comedian hinted at Kelce’s involvement, saying, “We’ve got something nice for Travis. He’s going to stop by,” during the interview on Tuesday night. Earlier that day, the production held a casting call in New Jersey, further building anticipation for the sequel.
At 57, Sandler is clearly thrilled to have Kelce on board, describing the 34-year-old NFL star as “very nice” and gushing about his appearance and personality. “What a big, handsome guy—funny and cool as hell. He’s a stud,” Sandler said, clearly impressed by the athlete’s charisma.
Kelce, who has been steadily making his way into the entertainment industry, especially since his relationship with pop sensation Taylor Swift became public, has expressed his eagerness to be part of Sandler’s project. A passionate golfer and lifelong fan of the original “Happy Gilmore,” Kelce made a public pitch earlier this year to be involved in the sequel. On his popular podcast “New Heights,” which he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce, he enthusiastically declared, “I’ll be a f—king extra…anything to get around ‘Happy Gilmore,’ an Adam Sandler film or set. Count me in!” He even reiterated his willingness to take on any role, saying, “I’ll do anything in the movie. I’ll be part of it any way I possibly can.”
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Kelce’s Hollywood ambitions don’t stop there. Next month, he will make his acting debut in Ryan Murphy’s highly anticipated TV series “Grotesquerie,” showcasing his versatility beyond the football field.
Netflix’s announcement in May that a sequel to the beloved 1996 sports comedy “Happy Gilmore” was in the works sent waves of excitement through fans. Sandler, who will reprise his role as the titular character, shared more details on “The Tonight Show,” mentioning that he and his longtime collaborator, Tim Herlihy, put significant effort into crafting the script. “We didn’t want to let anybody down. People have been asking me for a long time,” Sandler explained, adding that both he and Herlihy are “really excited” about what they’ve created.
The return of “Happy Gilmore” has sparked speculation about which original cast members might also make a comeback. Christopher McDonald, who famously portrayed the villainous Shooter McGavin in the first film, teased fans by confirming that the new script is “really funny” but played coy about his own involvement, citing an NDA. “Nice try,” McDonald said when asked if he would reprise his iconic role.
With production soon to begin and Travis Kelce confirmed for a cameo, “Happy Gilmore 2” is shaping up to be a must-watch film that fans of the original—and newcomers alike—will eagerly anticipate.
