Happy Gilmore 2: Why the Cameos?
Written By: Josh Kozak
Published: July 28th, 2025
Since its release on Friday, July 25th, Happy Gilmore 2 has taken social media by storm because of one specific thing: cameos. Cameos are any brief appearances in film or television by a well-known individual: a celebrity, athlete, etc. Cameos have been around since the start of film, with famous appearances from director Alfred Hitchcock in his film The Lodger to one of the most famous frequently occurring cameos of the 21st century: Stan Lee. But, as time has progressed, more and more celebrities, outside of directors or creators, have emerged across totally distinct and unique platforms that offer just as much viewer enjoyment when noticed in a new film. Happy Gilmore 2 took advantage of this well-known fact perfectly.
So how many cameos were in Happy Gilmore 2? Well, due to the subjective nature of what qualifies as a cameo and who is enough of a celebrity to be under the term cameo, the number seems to vary quite a bit. A majority of sources say around 40+ cameos, while others say over 70. Regardless of the number, it is one of the most celebrity-filled films of all time. With names varying from Bad Bunny to Guy Fieri, pretty much every celebrity was in this film.
But why an Adam Sandler movie? It’s actually not as crazy as one would imagine. Adam Sandler is notorious for bringing in the people he likes the most into his films, including his own friends in the past. For example, Steve Buscemi, Rob Schneider, and Nick Swardson have all been in countless Sandler films because of both their work and personal relationship with the comedian. So, it makes sense that a Happy Maddison production with Adam Sandler starring is one of the largest cameo featuring films of all time.
Is it just because Sandler likes them that allows for all of these cameos? Yes and no. While Adam Sandler is notorious for being one of the most humble and well-respected A-list celebrities of the 21st century, it’s not only his generosity that makes these cameos happen. One major reason cameos are so prominent in movies of today is the benefits they provide to engagement, viewership, and public awareness. With more celebrities in a film, a larger fanbase will be targeted, or in other terms, it broadens the target demographic. The original Happy Gilmore is one of the most famous and beloved comedies/sports movies of all time, but it still has an issue: it came out nearly 3 decades ago. Now, a lot of younger people still know Happy Gilmore, whether it was through their parents or just because they are Adam Sandler fans and have gone back into his filmography, but there are still some who might not be well-versed or aware of the movie. So, by including “new-gen” celebrities, the film not only satisfies Sandler’s desire to bring in the people he loves the most but also reaches a larger audience for more views. It also isn’t just about bringing in new people, but sharing it amongst those already familiar. I mean, just look at what’s happening right now. Through having all of these cameos, numerous articles, and millions of views, likes, and shares have been circulating across social media as people discuss their favorite cameo; it’s become one of the most successful marketing attempts in modern film history.
How much do these cameos cost? Is it really worth it? Well, the cost isn’t disclosed for Happy Gilmore 2, and probably won’t be. However, it could be reasonably predicted that it isn’t cheap. While some celebrities might have possibly done it as a free favor or for very little, others might ask for upwards of a million dollars. So, while some cameos might have been a good bargain, others might have been more of a financial burden for production.
With more and more people discussing the countless celebrity cameos in Happy Gilmore 2, it makes you think just how important the production side of a movie really is. Would there be as much publicity for the film without all of these names? Would people enjoy the film if there were fewer famous people? How much did all of this cost, and was it all worth it? All of these questions are important to ask and quintessential to understand the magnitude of how behind-the-scenes elements can make or break a film, showcasing the power of the business side of film.
Since its release on Friday, July 25th, Happy Gilmore 2 has taken social media by storm because of one specific thing: cameos. Cameos are any brief appearances in film or television by a well-known individual: a celebrity, athlete, etc. Cameos have been around since the start of film, with famous appearances from director Alfred Hitchcock in his film The Lodger to one of the most famous frequently occurring cameos of the 21st century: Stan Lee. But, as time has progressed, more and more celebrities, outside of directors or creators, have emerged across totally distinct and unique platforms that offer just as much viewer enjoyment when noticed in a new film. Happy Gilmore 2 took advantage of this well-known fact perfectly.
So how many cameos were in Happy Gilmore 2? Well, due to the subjective nature of what qualifies as a cameo and who is enough of a celebrity to be under the term cameo, the number seems to vary quite a bit. A majority of sources say around 40+ cameos, while others say over 70. Regardless of the number, it is one of the most celebrity-filled films of all time. With names varying from Bad Bunny to Guy Fieri, pretty much every celebrity was in this film.
But why an Adam Sandler movie? It’s actually not as crazy as one would imagine. Adam Sandler is notorious for bringing in the people he likes the most into his films, including his own friends in the past. For example, Steve Buscemi, Rob Schneider, and Nick Swardson have all been in countless Sandler films because of both their work and personal relationship with the comedian. So, it makes sense that a Happy Maddison production with Adam Sandler starring is one of the largest cameo featuring films of all time.
Is it just because Sandler likes them that allows for all of these cameos? Yes and no. While Adam Sandler is notorious for being one of the most humble and well-respected A-list celebrities of the 21st century, it’s not only his generosity that makes these cameos happen. One major reason cameos are so prominent in movies of today is the benefits they provide to engagement, viewership, and public awareness. With more celebrities in a film, a larger fanbase will be targeted, or in other terms, it broadens the target demographic. The original Happy Gilmore is one of the most famous and beloved comedies/sports movies of all time, but it still has an issue: it came out nearly 3 decades ago. Now, a lot of younger people still know Happy Gilmore, whether it was through their parents or just because they are Adam Sandler fans and have gone back into his filmography, but there are still some who might not be well-versed or aware of the movie. So, by including “new-gen” celebrities, the film not only satisfies Sandler’s desire to bring in the people he loves the most but also reaches a larger audience for more views. It also isn’t just about bringing in new people, but sharing it amongst those already familiar. I mean, just look at what’s happening right now. Through having all of these cameos, numerous articles, and millions of views, likes, and shares have been circulating across social media as people discuss their favorite cameo; it’s become one of the most successful marketing attempts in modern film history.
How much do these cameos cost? Is it really worth it? Well, the cost isn’t disclosed for Happy Gilmore 2, and probably won’t be. However, it could be reasonably predicted that it isn’t cheap. While some celebrities might have possibly done it as a free favor or for very little, others might ask for upwards of a million dollars. So, while some cameos might have been a good bargain, others might have been more of a financial burden for production.
With more and more people discussing the countless celebrity cameos in Happy Gilmore 2, it makes you think just how important the production side of a movie really is. Would there be as much publicity for the film without all of these names? Would people enjoy the film if there were fewer famous people? How much did all of this cost, and was it all worth it? All of these questions are important to ask and quintessential to understand the magnitude of how behind-the-scenes elements can make or break a film, showcasing the power of the business side of film.
Happy Gilmore 2: Why the Cameos?
Written By: Josh Kozak
Published: July 28th, 2025