Adam Sandler will soon be returning as one of his most beloved characters inHappy Gilmore 2, but the sequel will be a bittersweet reminder of one cast member who will not be joining him. Set to arrive on Netflix on June 23, 2025, Sandler’s forthcoming sequel picks up 30 years after his eponymous character won his first PGA Tour. Also joining the follow-up to the beloved comedy areoriginalHappy Gilmorecast membersJulie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, and Ben Stiller. Meanwhile, new cast members include Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (aka Bad Bunny), Kym Whitley, and Sunny Sandler.
Sadly, however, one notable absence from the original movie will be that of Carl Weathers' Derick “Chubbs” Peterson. Originally serving as the mentor to Sandler’s character in 1996’sHappy Gilmore,Weathers' one-handed golfing legend is responsible for recognizing Happy’s golfing potentialand putting him on the path to winning the PGA Tour championship. While his character is killed during the events of the first movie, Weathers later returned to reprise his role in2000’sLittle Nicky,as the heavenly dance instructor of Reese Witherspoon’s angelic Holly. Tragically, the beloved actor later passed away in February 2024, aged 76 years.
Happy Gilmore 2 Introduces The Son Of Carl Weathers' Chubbs
Previous Adam Sandler Collaborator Lavell Crawford Will Be Appearing In The Role
Thanks to the latestHappy Gilmore 2trailer, it is clear that Chubbs' presence will continue to be felt throughout the new movie. After introducing a slew of both original and returning characters,Netflix’s trailer reveals that Happy will meet Chubbs' son, played by comedian and previous Adam Sandler collaborator Lavell Crawford.Bearing the same kind of wooden hand once worn by Chubbs himself, Sandler’s character can be seen accidentally breaking the prosthetic’s fingers in a callback to an iconic moment from the first movie.
Lavell Crawford also starred alongside Adam Sandler in 2015’sThe Ridiculous 6and 2020’sHubie Halloween.
However, the connections between Crawford’s new character and Weathers' original one do not end with his prosthetic hand alone. Fans of the previous movie will recall the sequence where Chubbs teaches Happy how to putt, and, by extension, introduces the notion of preparing himself mentally by going to his “happy place” at a miniature golf course. Similarly, the trailer also shows Happy meeting Chubbs' son on a similar course, further building on his character’s ties to the original movie.
Chubbs' Son Is Happy Gilmore 2’s Way Of Honoring Carl Weathers
Happy’s Original Mentor Was A Major Part Of The First Movie
While it is unclear whether Crawford’s role as Chubbs' son will be on par with Weathers' position as the original movie’s mentor figure, his limited appearance in the trailer suggests that his character will not have any significant screen time. Nonetheless, it is heartwarming to see that Sandler and theteam behindHappy Gilmore 2are deeply aware of the part that Weathers played in ensuring the first movie’s success,and have intentionally set out to honor both his character and the actor himself.
Following Weathers' death in 2024, both Sandler and director Dennis Dugan made heartfelt statements regarding the actor’s passing, each fondly recalling his selfless nature and approachability (see viaTHR). With his unexpected casting inHappy Gilmoreproving that Weathers possessed impeccable comedic sensibilities in addition to his action prowess, it is only fitting that the sequel finds some way to call back to one of his most recognizable and oft-quoted roles.
I’ve Got Mixed Emotions About Happy Gilmore 2 Introducing Chubbs' Son
Carl Weathers Can Never Truly Be Replaced
Nonetheless, as heartwarming as Crawford’s introduction as Chubbs' son is,his presence also serves as a stark reminder of what might have been had Weathers still been able to join the cast ofHappy Gilmore 2himself.With his character’s cameo appearance inLittle Nickyproving that Chubbs' tragic accident was no impediment to his potential return, Sandler and Dugan may have been looking for ways to include Chubbs in their sequel before Weathers; passing.
Even thoughNetflix did not officially confirm development onHappy Gilmore 2until May 2024,Sandler first began talking publicly about the possibility of a sequel as far back as 2022, during the same period in which Weathers was earning considerable praise for his performance asGreef Karga inThe Mandalorian. As such, it would not be too far a stretch to imagine that some of the sequel’s earliest drafts would have potentially made room for Weathers' return.
Weathers would also reunite with Adam Sandler for a voice role in the 2002 animated movieEight Crazy Nights.
Sadly, however, audiences will never have the opportunity to see Weathers reprise his role as Chubbs Peterson inHappy Gilmore 2.While fans will no doubt be thrilled to see that his legacy continues to be honored, his absence will still be keenly felt. Hopefully, however, Chubbs' son may also be able to impart his own brand of much-needed wisdom and advice about hip mobility as Happy prepares to make his comeback to the world of professional golfing without his original mentor beside him.
Happy Gilmore 2
Cast
Happy Gilmore 2 sees the return of Adam Sandler in his iconic role as the retired golfer who steps back onto the green to support his daughter’s passion for ballet. Released in 2025, the film explores Gilmore’s renewed journey in golf to finance her dreams.
