Washington Township had a special visitor on Tuesday as Adam Sandler arrived at the Farmview Golf Center to film scenes for the highly anticipated Netflix movie Happy Gilmore 2. The town welcomed the comedian and actor, along with a large production crew, as Sandler stepped back into the iconic role of Happy Gilmore, a character that has remained a fan favorite since the original film’s release in 1996.
Hundreds of cast, crew members, and production staff descended on the town for the shoot, creating quite a buzz among locals. Washington Township’s mayor, Matt Murello, expressed his excitement about the event, praising Sandler and the film’s crew for their warm demeanor and professionalism.
“Adam Sandler was great, stopping to say hello to people who had come by midday, and the production staff was very kind in letting me hang out on set,” Murello shared. “It was an exciting day for the town.”
The shoot in Washington Township is part of a larger production schedule for Happy Gilmore 2, which began filming in New Jersey on September 9. The long-awaited sequel reunites Sandler with co-writer Tim Herlihy, with whom he penned both the original Happy Gilmore and this upcoming installment. The two have collaborated on several of Sandler’s most successful films, and fans are eager to see what they have in store for this new chapter.
Sandler himself has been teasing fans about the return of Happy Gilmore, posting on Instagram with a nod to one of the original film’s famous quotes. “It ain’t over,” Sandler captioned the post. “The way I see it… we’ve only just begun.”
The original Happy Gilmore was a turning point in Sandler’s career, catapulting him to stardom following his 1995 hit Billy Madison. The movie combined Sandler’s signature humor with an underdog sports story, making it a cult classic for fans of all ages. In the film, Happy Gilmore, a failed hockey player, discovers a talent for golf, shaking up the professional golf world with his unconventional style and competitive spirit.
In Happy Gilmore 2, Sandler isn’t the only familiar face returning. Christopher McDonald will reprise his role as Shooter McGavin, the smug golf pro and villain from the first film. Julie Bowen is also back, once again playing Gilmore’s love interest and publicist, Virginia Venit.
But the sequel isn’t just about nostalgia. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, some new faces are joining the cast, including music sensation Bad Bunny and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The addition of these stars has added to the already substantial buzz surrounding the film.
The production in Washington Township involved a lot of moving parts, with local authorities and businesses stepping in to help ensure everything ran smoothly. Mayor Murello gave special thanks to local first responders, including the Washington Township and Hackettstown police departments, for their assistance in managing the crowds and logistics. The local Target store even played a role, providing space to house the film’s equipment and personnel trucks.
“Everyone in Washington Township worked hard to pull this off with short notice,” Murello said. “It was an exciting experience for the town, and I can’t wait to see the scene in the final product of Happy Gilmore 2.”
With filming expected to continue at various locations across New Jersey through November, fans of the original movie are eagerly awaiting what the sequel has in store. Sandler’s return as Happy Gilmore is sure to bring back plenty of memories, while the inclusion of new talent like Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce promises fresh twists and surprises. Brobible also provided some pics from the movie shoot, pointing to a potential showdown at the US Open.
As excitement builds, it’s clear that Happy Gilmore 2 is shaping up to be one of Sandler’s biggest projects in recent years, with a mix of beloved characters, new stars, and the same irreverent humor that made the original a hit.
Washington Township has now played its part in bringing this long-awaited sequel to life, and fans will be looking forward to seeing their town on the big screen when the film is finally released.
