Happy Gilmore 2 Replaces Carl Weathers With Unexpected Choice

Adam Sandler is set to reprise his iconic role in the upcoming film “Happy Gilmore 2“, premiering on Netflix on July 25, 2025. However, this sequel will serve as a poignant tribute to one cast member who won’t be present. In addition to Sandler, original cast members Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, and Ben Stiller will return for the new installment. Notable additions to the ensemble include Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (known as Bad Bunny), Kym Whitley, and Sunny Sandler.

Regrettably, Carl Weathers’ character, Derick “Chubbs” Peterson, will not be featured in the remake of Happy Gilmore, a role he played as the mentor to Adam Sandler’s character back in 1996. With his one-handed golfing prowess, Chubbs was instrumental in recognizing Happy’s hidden golf talents and setting him on course for winning the PGA Tour championship. Although his character met his end in the original movie, Weathers reprised his role in Little Nicky in 2000 as the celestial dance instructor of Reese Witherspoon’s angelic Holly. Sadly, the cherished actor passed away in February 2024 at the age of 76.

Happy Gilmore 2 Introduces The Son Of Carl Weathers’ Chubbs

Previous Adam Sandler Collaborator Lavell Crawford Will Be Appearing In The Role

Due to the freshly released trailer for Happy Gilmore 2, it’s evident that the spirit of Chubbs will persist throughout the upcoming film. Netflix’s trailer hints at a meeting between Happy and Chubbs’ son, portrayed by comedian Lavell Crawford, who has previously worked with Adam Sandler. In a delightful nod to the original movie, it appears that Sandler’s character inadvertently snaps off fingers on the wooden hand replica that once belonged to Chubbs.

In addition to his prosthetic hand, the links between Crawford’s new character and Weathers’ original one run deeper. Fans of the first film may remember the scene where Chubbs teaches Happy how to putt, which in turn introduces the idea of mental preparation through visiting a miniature golf course, often referred to as his “happy place”. Interestingly, the trailer suggests that Crawford’s character encounters Chubbs’ son at a similar course, strengthening the connection between the new and old movies.

Chubbs’ Son Is Happy Gilmore 2’s Way Of Honoring Carl Weathers

Happy’s Original Mentor Was A Major Part Of The First Movie

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel touched by the fact that Crawford seems poised to step into the role of Chubbs’ son, though it remains uncertain whether he’ll match Weathers’ iconic mentor figure from the original movie. The brief glimpse of him in the trailer hints at a smaller screen presence for his character. However, what truly warms my heart is the evident recognition by Sandler and the Happy Gilmore 2 team of the pivotal role that Weathers played in the success of the first film. It’s clear they are making a conscious effort to pay tribute not just to his character, but also to the man himself, which makes me even more excited for this long-awaited sequel.

After the demise of Adam Sandler’s co-star, Weathers, in 2024, both Sandler and director Dennis Dugan expressed emotional tributes about the actor’s passing, reminiscing about his kind-hearted personality and approachability (as reported by THR). The surprise choice of Weathers for the role in “Happy Gilmore” showcased his exceptional comic timing alongside his action skills. Therefore, it seems fitting that the sequel incorporates a tribute to one of his most iconic and frequently quoted roles.

I’ve Got Mixed Emotions About Happy Gilmore 2 Introducing Chubbs’ Son

Carl Weathers Can Never Truly Be Replaced

However heartening it is to see Crawford as Chubbs’ son, his presence also underlines a poignant “what if” scenario, had Weathers been able to rejoin the Happy Gilmore 2 cast as Chubbs himself. Given that Weathers’ cameo in Little Nicky demonstrated that Chubbs’ accident didn’t hinder his potential return, it seems Sandler and Dugan were considering ways to involve Chubbs in their sequel, prior to Weathers’ passing.

Despite Netflix not announcing the development of Happy Gilmore 2 until May 2024, discussions about a sequel had already started in 2022, coinciding with Weathers gaining recognition for his role as Greef Karga in The Mandalorian. This suggests that early drafts of the script might have included a chance for Weathers’ character to reappear.

Regrettably, it seems that moviegoers won’t get another chance to witness Weathers reprising his character as Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore 2. Even though we’re excited about the tribute to his enduring influence, the absence of his unique charm will certainly be noticed. Here’s hoping that Chubbs’ son might step up and provide similar guidance on flexibility, as Happy gears up for a return to golf without his initial mentor by his side.

2025-06-02 16:59