If you're curious about the latest streaming licensing trends, look no further than the peculiar situation unfolding on Netflix. The platform has been making headlines for successfully producing a sequel to the beloved comedy Happy Gilmore, nearly three decades after the original film starring Adam Sandler first graced the big screen. However, in a surprising twist, Netflix has announced that it will be removing the original Happy Gilmore movie just a week after its sequel airs.
Happy Gilmore 2 is set to premiere this Friday, July 25, yet the original film, which recently climbed to the 3 spot on Netflix's trending list, will be unavailable for streaming starting August 1. This sudden removal coincides with a broader slate of movies being taken off the platform. While it's not unusual for films and shows to rotate in and out of streaming services, this particular case raises eyebrows. If you're hoping for a Happy Gilmore refresher before diving into the sequel, you have just one week to watch it on Netflix.
For fans disappointed by Netflix's decision, Happy Gilmore will still be available for streaming on other platforms like Hulu and Peacock. This decision seems particularly puzzling, considering the potential audience interest in revisiting the original film to prepare for the sequel. It appears that Netflix faced challenges in timing the release of the sequel, leading to this awkward overlap.
The upcoming Happy Gilmore 2 promises to bring back familiar faces from the original, including Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald, alongside Adam Sandler. Additionally, the highly-acclaimed actress Margaret Qualley, known for her performance in The Substance, joins the cast as a prominent new character. It's worth noting that a larger role was initially planned for Carl Weathers, who portrayed Sandler's mentor in the first film, but unfortunately passed away in February 2024.
So, what can viewers expect from this long-awaited sequel? The official synopsis reveals that “Happy Gilmore isn’t done with golf – not by a long shot. Adam Sandler’s short-fused legend swings for a comeback to make his kid’s dream come true.” This intriguing plot suggests a blend of nostalgia and new adventures, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Originally released in 1996, Happy Gilmore garnered mixed reviews from critics, earning a score of 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences rated it significantly higher at 85%, based on over 250,000 reviews. Despite its initial reception, the film has become one of Sandler's most iconic works, making it all the more surprising that he has chosen to reprise his role after exploring various genres, including critically acclaimed films like Uncut Gems.
If you haven’t revisited Happy Gilmore in the last 29 years, now is the time to do so. With just a week left to catch it on Netflix, or even just one day before the sequel's premiere, don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy this classic comedy. Be sure to catch it before it leaves the platform, and prepare for the hilarious return of Sandler's memorable character!
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