The Garden State is buzzing with excitement, and it’s all thanks to the highly anticipated sequel, Happy Gilmore 2. This cinematic triumph, which recently graced Netflix, didn’t just break streaming records with a staggering 46.7 million views during its opening weekend—making it the platform’s biggest U.S. debut ever. It also shone a bright spotlight on New Jersey’s stunning landscapes and vibrant communities, proving to be a true “hole-in-one” for both Adam Sandler and our beloved state.
Filmed almost entirely across nine different counties in New Jersey during the fall of 2024, Happy Gilmore 2 serves as a magnificent showcase of our diverse locales. As Happy, the endearing hockey player turned golf phenom, navigates his next chapter, viewers are treated to a picturesque tour of New Jersey’s finest. The production meticulously scouted locations that perfectly captured the creative vision of the script, leading to an impressive array of filming sites.
Among the many notable locations featured in the film are some of New Jersey’s most beautiful golf courses, perfectly befitting a movie about a golf champion. These include the prestigious Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, the picturesque Montclair Golf Club, the scenic Rockleigh Golf Course, and the inviting Farmview Golf Center in Hackettstown, along with the Closter Golf Center. But the silver screen spectacle isn’t limited to the greens. Other instantly recognizable spots include the elegant Pleasantdale Château, the charming Ideal Beach in North Middletown, the historic Dayton Street School, and the beloved local eatery, Steve’s Burgers. Matson’s Tavern in Kearny also makes an appearance, adding to the rich tapestry of New Jersey backdrops.
The decision to film Happy Gilmore 2 so extensively in New Jersey was undoubtedly influenced by the state’s increasingly attractive film tax incentives. These generous programs, reinstated by Governor Murphy in 2018, have fueled a significant surge in film and TV productions choosing New Jersey as their base. Further cementing this trend is Netflix’s ambitious development of a sprawling production studio at the former Fort Monmouth Army base, with a groundbreaking ceremony held this past May and an anticipated opening in 2028. This studio promises to be a game-changer for the state’s burgeoning film industry. For more information on New Jersey’s thriving film and television scene, be sure to visit the Explore New Jersey Film & TV page.
Beyond the stunning scenery, Happy Gilmore 2 brought substantial economic benefits and a sense of immense pride to New Jersey. Netflix employed hundreds of local talents to bring the sequel to life, recruiting over 400 dedicated crew members and more than 3,000 enthusiastic background actors who appeared alongside Adam Sandler and returning fan favorites like Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald. The casting calls for extras, held at Morristown’s Hyatt Regency, saw an overwhelming turnout of over 12,000 hopefuls, highlighting the community’s eagerness to be part of this exciting project.
Local businesses also reaped the rewards, with over 400 vendors contributing to the production. Elena Gonzalez, the managing rentals director for Freehold-based Action AC and Prop Rentals, perfectly encapsulated the local sentiment: “We are all huge Adam Sandler fans, and were thrilled to find out he and Netflix had partnered up to produce the sequel to his iconic Happy Gilmore completely in the state of New Jersey. Knowing we provided services for a small part of that project gives us all a real sense of hometown pride.” Even NFL superstar Travis Kelce made a cameo, further adding to the movie’s star power and its connection to the Garden State.
During the filming of Happy Gilmore 2 last fall, Adam Sandler himself became a familiar face around New Jersey, embracing local life with gusto. He was spotted enjoying culinary delights at establishments such as Goldberg’s World Famous Deli & Bagels in Millburn, the sophisticated French restaurant Faubourg in Montclair, and the charming Lokl Café in Morristown.
Sandler’s love affair with New Jersey continues, as the 58-year-old actor is currently residing in Montclair while working on his next Netflix project, Don’t Say Good Luck, which stars his talented 16-year-old daughter, Sunny Sandler. This new film has recently shot scenes in various New Jersey locales, including Nana’s Deli and Ilpoom restaurant in Livingston, Montclair High School, and diverse settings in Ridgewood and Cranford. Montclair residents have frequently spotted Sandler shooting hoops at Rand Park, enjoying meals at local favorites like Mercado and Paper Moon, and even doing some everyday shopping at CVS.
Happy Gilmore 2 is just one of several recent Netflix productions that have chosen New Jersey as their home, underscoring the state’s growing prominence as a filmmaking hub. With its generous incentives and burgeoning infrastructure, New Jersey is undeniably rolling out the red carpet for the entertainment industry, promising a bright future for film and television in the Garden State. For more detailed insights into the state’s booming film and television landscape, explore Explore New Jersey’s Film & TV initiatives.
You can stream Happy Gilmore 2 on Sunset and check out the Film Studio Store in The Vending Lot for exclusive Merchandise.
