Nearly 30 years after it first hit theaters, Happy Gilmore remains a beloved icon of ‘90s comedy — and now, Adam Sandler is ready to bring the character back to life. The original film, which debuted in 1996, may have drawn mixed reviews at first, but it eventually found a second life through home video and reruns, becoming a cult classic in the world of sports comedies.

The inspiration behind Happy Gilmore began long before Sandler’s days on Saturday Night Live or his rise to movie stardom. As a kid in New Hampshire, Sandler would reluctantly accompany his golf-obsessed father to the driving range. It wasn’t until he brought along his hockey-playing friend, Kyle McDonough, that Sandler found a new perspective on the sport. McDonough, despite having no golf experience, could launch golf balls incredible distances — a moment that stuck with Sandler. Years later, he fused that memory with comedy, imagining a hockey player who dominates the golf world with raw power and a reckless attitude.

Teaming up with longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy, Sandler brought this idea to life in Happy Gilmore, their second film after Billy Madison. With its absurd humor, unforgettable quotes, and slapstick charm, Happy Gilmore turned heads — and not all in approval. Critics initially panned it, with some labeling the character a “violent sociopath” and the movie a one-note gag. But fans disagreed. Box office numbers climbed, and so did the film’s legacy.

As the years passed, Happy Gilmore became more than just a film — it became a cultural touchstone. From Bob Barker’s unforgettable fistfight to Christopher McDonald’s smug Shooter McGavin, the film’s characters and moments earned permanent spots in pop culture. Golfers across the world mimicked Happy’s hockey-inspired swing, and lines like “Are you too good for your home?” were shouted on courses everywhere.

Director and actor Benny Safdie, who later worked with Sandler on Uncut Gems, is among those who consider the film a personal favorite, recalling watching it endlessly on DVD as a teen.

Now, after decades of fan requests, Sandler is finally stepping back into Happy’s shoes. With Happy Gilmore 2 set to premiere on Netflix this Friday, excitement is reaching new heights. It’s easily one of the summer’s most anticipated streaming releases — and a return to the chaotic, heartwarming world that helped define Sandler’s career.

Whether you watched the original in theaters, wore out a VHS copy, or discovered it through memes, Happy Gilmore left an imprint. And now, nearly 30 years later, the legend is ready for one more swing.