Sure, Happy Gilmore 2 Sounds Fun - But Adam Sandler's Best Movie Future Is Being Ignored

Summary Sandler shines in dramatic roles like Uncut Gems, proving he's more than just a comedy legend.

Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix continues Sandler's streak of diverse roles, mixing comedies and dramas.

Sandler's future includes more collaborations with top directors, hinting at even more dramatic roles ahead.

The announcement of Happy Gilmore 2 is certainly exciting, but Sandler's recent streak of dramatic roles shows even more promise for the celebrated actor. Sandler has starred in some of the greatest comedies of all time, becoming a dominant force in the comedy world during the 1990s and 2000s with classic films such as Billy Madison, The Waterboy, The Wedding Singer, and of course, Happy Gilmore. As Sandler has gotten older, however, he has focused more intently on starring in dramas such as 2022's Hustle.

Sandler first demonstrated he had a natural ability to star in dramatic roles in Paul Thomas Anderson's Punch-Drunk Love in 2002. That film took many people by surprise considering the prestige of the director, who would go on to direct cinematic masterpieces such as There Will Be Blood, Phantom Thread, and The Master, as the expected silliness of Sandler's best characters. Sandler would then take on a dramatic part in Judd Apatow's Funny People (2009) before starring as the iconic Howard Ratner in Uncut Gems.

Related All 7 Celebrity & Golf Cameos In Happy Gilmore Explained Happy Gilmore is loaded with celebrity cameos and professional golfer appearances that add a layer of legitimacy to the classic golf comedy.

Uncut Gems Proved Adam Sandler's Best Future Was More Serious Roles

Sandler's 2022 Netflix sports drama also received outstanding reviews

Happy Gilmore 2 will stream on Netflix when it's released, which will continue a modern streak of Sandler starring in Netflix films such as 2024's Spaceman. In between all of Sandler's Netflix projects, however, was a chaotic thriller called Uncut Gems, which saw Sandler in one of the most emotionally challenging yet naturally compelling roles of his career. Sandler completely sold the part of a gambling-addicted hustler and jewelry salesman looking for a big win. Uncut Gems was groundbreaking on many fronts, but Sandler far exceeded expectations.

Since the release of Uncut Gems in 2019, Sandler has primarily returned to Netflix comedies and dramas that have been hit or miss. Hubie Halloween (2020) was Netflix's most popular movie of 2020 despite receiving mixed reviews. 2023's Murder Mystery 2 and You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah also performed well without Sandler having to flex too many of his acting muscles. 2022's Hustle saw him back in a dramatic role as an NBA scout and received a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, providing even more reason why Sandler should continue his dramatic streak.

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Why There's Still Hope For Adam Sandler's Movie Future After Happy Gilmore 2

Sandler has more dramatic roles on the horizon with great directors

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Although the Safdie Brothers, who directed Uncut Gems, have split up for the time being, their highly anticipated second project starring Sandler is still considered to be in development. Sandler also has a track record with Noah Baumbach, the celebrated co-writer of 2023's Barbie and director of Marriage Story (2019), and is attached to star in another film written and directed by Baumbach following his appearance in his 2017 drama The Meyerowitz Stories. Sandler is unquestionably a comedic legend, but films like Uncut Gems prove he is even more than that and should star in more dramas after Happy Gilmore 2.

Related 20 Best Quotes From All Adam Sandler Movies Adam Sandler has starred in dozens of hilarious comedies and critically acclaimed dramas that have offered both funny and inspirational one-liners.