Universal Pictures is bringing back a fan-favorite—Happy Gilmore is returning to theaters nationwide for a limited-time re-release. The beloved 1996 sports comedy starring Adam Sandler will hit the big screen once again with special showings on April 27 and April 30, giving fans a chance to relive the outrageous, laugh-out-loud classic where it belongs: in theaters.
In this offbeat underdog tale, Adam Sandler plays Happy Gilmore, a failed hockey hopeful with a fierce slapshot but zero skating ability and a notoriously short fuse. When his grandmother's house is seized by the IRS, Happy turns to golf in a desperate attempt to raise enough money to win it back—only to find that his unorthodox swing and unpredictable antics catapult him into sudden PGA Tour stardom. Though lacking in finesse and patience, Happy's raw power and outlandish personality shake up the sport, much to the frustration of his uptight rival, Shooter McGavin.
Initially released in February 1996, Happy Gilmore was made on a modest $12 million budget and scored big at the box office, raking in over $40 million during its original run. The film was co-written by Sandler and longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy, following the duo's earlier success with Billy Madison.
Adam Sandler has since become a comedic mainstay, known for his versatility across genres. With global box office earnings exceeding $3 billion and a trophy case that includes multiple People's Choice, MTV Movie, and Kids' Choice Awards, Sandler's enduring popularity spans generations. His work also extends beyond comedy, with acclaimed performances in Punch-Drunk Love and Uncut Gems, the latter earning him multiple awards and critical praise for his dramatic turn.
In 2023, Sandler was honored with the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, joining a legendary roster that includes icons like Carol Burnett and Richard Pryor. A graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Sandler has also been recognized with Golden Globe, Emmy, and Grammy nominations, and his comedy albums have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Happy Gilmore also features a standout supporting cast: Christopher McDonald as the pompous Shooter McGavin, Julie Bowen as PR pro Virginia Venit, Carl Weathers as former golf pro-turned-mentor Chubbs Peterson, and Frances Bay as Happy's sweet, yet sassy grandmother. Real-life golf legends Lee Trevino and Mark Lye appear in cameos, along with the unforgettable Bob Barker, who shares one of the film's most iconic and unexpected moments with Sandler.
Directed by Dennis Dugan, Happy Gilmore marked the beginning of a long-running creative partnership between Dugan and Sandler, which went on to include hits like Big Daddy, Grown Ups, and Just Go with It.
Fans have even more to look forward to. Sandler is officially set to reprise his role as Happy in a sequel slated for release later this year.
Tickets for the limited re-release of Happy Gilmore are available now. Visit Fandango to purchase your tickets.
Tags: universal pictures, happy gilmore, fandango
