8-Ball And The Maxi League: Unpacking The Wildest Cameos And Plot Of Happy Gilmore 2

The wait is finally over, and the world of golf comedy has been turned upside down once again with the release of Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, the highly-anticipated sequel to Adam Sandler’s 1996 classic is a major talking point, especially the introduction of a new generation of antagonists, including the curiously named character, "8-Ball." This follow-up sees Happy Gilmore return to the links after decades away, trading in his retirement for one last shot at glory and confronting a new, corporate-backed threat to the sport he loves, bringing with it a massive roster of celebrity cameos and fresh, hilarious rivalries.

The query around "8-Ball" is one of the most searched topics surrounding the film, and for good reason. Far from a simple Easter egg, 8-Ball is a key new character who serves as a colorful, identity-confused member of the "Maxi League" golf team, the primary antagonists of the sequel. This deep dive will break down the character, the actor who plays him, the new plot structure, and the full list of shocking celebrity cameos that make Happy Gilmore 2 a must-watch.

The New Antagonists: Who Is ‘8-Ball’ and The Maxi League?

The original film centered on the rivalry between Happy Gilmore and the perfectly coiffed villain, Shooter McGavin. Happy Gilmore 2, however, introduces a modern, corporate-backed threat in the form of the "Maxi League," a new, high-tech, and clownish golf circuit designed to replace the traditional PGA Tour.

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The league is helmed by a new antagonist, often described as a "tech bro CEO" named Frank Manatee, who attempts to recruit Happy to his side.

The '8-Ball' character is a central figure on Manatee’s Maxi League team. He is portrayed by former NFL running back and Heisman Trophy winner, Reggie Bush.

Bush’s character, 8-Ball, is depicted as an "identity-confused golfer" who adds a layer of absurdist comedy to the new rival squad.

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8-Ball is not a solo act; he is part of a team of oddball contenders, including:

• Harley (played by Oliver Hudson)
• Screech (played by Fernando Marrero)
• Flex (played by Rebecca Quin, also known as WWE's Becky Lynch)
• Medusa (played by Nikki Bella)

This new ensemble of over-the-top, celebrity-filled characters replaces the classic, straightforward golf rivals, giving the sequel a distinctly 2025 feel while maintaining the original's chaotic energy. The Maxi League represents the corporate overreach and commercialization of sport, a theme that Happy Gilmore, the working-class hero, is naturally positioned to fight against.

Plot Breakdown: Why Happy Returns to the Green

The sequel’s plot is built on a foundation of both tragedy and necessity, echoing the financial motivations of the first film.

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The Setup: The film finds Happy Gilmore decades after his initial golf success. According to some reports, Happy is dealing with the loss of his wife, Virginia, and is now navigating life as a widowed single father.

The Conflict: Happy’s return to competitive golf is driven by the need to fund his daughter's ballet school tuition, a modern twist on the original's need to save his grandmother’s house.

An alternate plot detail suggests Happy may have become an alcoholic after an accident involving Virginia, only to be pulled back into the spotlight by the new villain, Frank Manatee.

The core conflict centers on Happy facing off against the Maxi League, the corporate entity that threatens to take over the traditional golf world. This allows Adam Sandler to reprise his iconic, hot-tempered persona, unleashing his signature brand of physical comedy and aggression against the overly sanitized, new-age golf circuit.

A Cavalcade of Cameos: Every Star in Happy Gilmore 2

One of the most talked-about aspects of Happy Gilmore 2 is its staggering number of celebrity and athlete cameos, totaling nearly 50 appearances.

Beyond the core cast, the film is packed with surprise appearances, blending professional athletes, comedians, and returning stars from the original film. These cameos not only add star power but also topical authority, grounding the sequel in the current sports and pop culture landscape.

Key celebrity and athlete cameos include:

Returning Cast & Comedians

• Rob Schneider: Reprising his role as the enthusiastic, often-yelling bystander.
• Blake Clark: A frequent Adam Sandler collaborator, likely in a comedic supporting role.
• Tim Herlihy: Sandler’s long-time writing partner, appearing as Dr. Hertz.
• Steve Buscemi: Returning in a key role, though details are sparse, his presence adds a classic Sandler touch.
• Julie Bowen: Expected to return as Virginia, though her role may be limited or in flashbacks due to reported plot details.

Professional Athletes and Sports Personalities

The sequel leans heavily into the sports world, featuring a massive roster of current and former athletes:

• Travis Kelce: The Kansas City Chiefs star appears as "The Waiter," a surprising and hilarious non-golf role.
• Boban Marjanović: The NBA player features as "Drago Larson," another new, towering character.
• Reggie Bush: As the aforementioned "8-Ball" of the Maxi League.
• Rebecca Quin (Becky Lynch) & Nikki Bella: The professional wrestlers star as Maxi League members Flex and Medusa, respectively.

PGA & Golf World Cameos

To give the film a sense of authenticity and a modern golf perspective, several real-life professional golfers make appearances, often reacting to Happy's unconventional style:

• Bryson DeChambeau: Known for his long-driving power, his presence is a natural fit for a film about the physics of golf.
• Keegan Bradley: Another major PGA Tour professional who appears as himself.
• Ken Duke: An established PGA Tour veteran.
• Will Zalatoris: Expected to be one of the many contemporary golfers featured.
• Max Homa: Known for his social media presence and personality, a perfect inclusion for the sequel.

The sheer volume of these entities—from the core cast (Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen) to the new villains (Reggie Bush, Oliver Hudson) and the athlete cameos (Travis Kelce, Bryson DeChambeau)—ensures Happy Gilmore 2 feels fresh and relevant, successfully bridging the gap between the 90s classic and the 2025 pop culture landscape. The film uses the character of 8-Ball as a perfect example of this strategy: taking a recognizable athlete and turning them into a memorable, comedic foil for Happy Gilmore's triumphant return.