The long-awaited sequel to the 1996 comedy classic, Happy Gilmore 2, has proven to be a monumental success for Netflix. The film, which premiered last Friday, July 25, delivered a record-breaking opening weekend, driven by the star power of Adam Sandler and a heavy dose of talent from the world of professional wrestling. On Tuesday, Netflix officially released the viewership numbers, confirming the movie is a global smash hit.
A Record-Breaking Debut for ‘Happy Gilmore 2’
According to Netflix’s official numbers, Happy Gilmore 2 was watched by an incredible 46.7 million global viewers in its first three days of release. This performance makes it the biggest U.S. opening for any Netflix original film in the streaming giant’s history. The film’s popularity was felt worldwide, as it ranked #1 for the week in 47 different countries and placed in the top ten in 88 countries overall. Its global debut falls just shy of the record set earlier this year by the action-comedy Back In Action, which pulled in 46.8 million viewers, making Happy Gilmore 2 one of the most successful film premieres in Netflix history.
Wrestling Stars Shine in Supporting Roles
A significant factor in the film’s crossover appeal has been the inclusion of several major wrestling stars in key supporting roles. AEW star MJF plays a primary antagonist in the film, a young, arrogant golf prodigy who serves as a modern-day Shooter McGavin. WWE’s “The Man,” Becky Lynch, also has a significant supporting role as a fellow pro golfer who becomes an unlikely ally to Happy. Fellow WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella also makes a brief but memorable appearance in the movie, portraying Lynch’s on-screen golf caddie. The presence of these top-tier wrestling personalities helped bridge the gap between comedy fans and the massive global wrestling audience, undoubtedly contributing to the film’s record-setting numbers.
The Power of Nostalgia and a New Generation
The nearly 30-year wait for a sequel created a massive sense of anticipation and nostalgia among fans of the original film. The return of Adam Sandler to one of his most beloved roles was a major draw, but the filmmakers successfully updated the formula for a new generation. By incorporating current, popular stars like MJF and Becky Lynch, the movie appealed not only to those who grew up with the original but also to a younger demographic familiar with the wrestling icons. This blend of old and new created a perfect storm, resulting in a film that felt both like a comforting return to a classic and a fresh, modern comedy.
Following Netflix’s announcement on Tuesday, the film’s wrestling stars took to social media to celebrate the news. In a characteristically arrogant post, MJF claimed the movie’s success was solely due to his involvement, stating he was “better than Sandler, and you know it.” Meanwhile, Becky Lynch thanked the fans for their overwhelming support and shared a behind-the-scenes photo with Adam Sandler and Nikki Bella from the set. Their reactions have only added to the buzz, likely ensuring the film continues its dominant viewership run into its second week.
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