The Record-Breaking Locations: Where Was Happy Gilmore 2 Filmed? (Updated December 2025)

The long-awaited sequel, Happy Gilmore 2, has officially wrapped production, and the answer to "where was Happy Gilmore 2 filmed?" is a major surprise for fans of the original 1996 classic. Unlike the first film, which was shot entirely in Western Canada, the new Netflix comedy starring Adam Sandler chose a completely different setting for its principal photography, injecting a fresh, East Coast vibe into the beloved sports comedy franchise.

As of December 2025, the most current information confirms that the entire production of Happy Gilmore 2 took place in the state of New Jersey, USA. This massive shift in location was a strategic move by the production team, which resulted in a record-breaking economic impact for the Garden State and promises a new landscape for Happy's return to the golf course.

Happy Gilmore 2 Production Details and Filming Timeline

The journey to bring Happy Gilmore back to the screen was a highly anticipated event, with fans clamoring for a sequel for nearly three decades. The production details confirm that this was not a small-scale operation, with Adam Sandler reprising his iconic role alongside several returning cast members.

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Filming for the sequel, a major new project for Netflix, began in the fall of 2024. Principal photography officially kicked off in September 2024 and continued through December 2024. The tight shooting schedule allowed the film to capitalize on the autumnal scenery of the Mid-Atlantic region, which will undoubtedly feature prominently in the movie's backdrop.

• Starring: Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore)
• Confirmed Returning Cast: Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin), Julie Bowen (Happy’s ex-wife)
• New Cast Member: Benny Safdie
• Filming Start Date: September 2024
• Filming Wrap Date: December 2024
• Anticipated Release Date: July 25, 2025, on Netflix

The production's presence was a significant boost for the local economy. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) reported that the Happy Gilmore 2 production spent a staggering $152 million while filming in the state, making it one of the largest film expenditures in New Jersey history.

The Surprising Primary Filming Location: New Jersey

The original Happy Gilmore (1996) was famously shot in various locations across British Columbia, Canada, including Vancouver and the surrounding areas. The sequel, however, made a complete pivot, setting up its base of operations in New Jersey.

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The decision to film in New Jersey was comprehensive, with the production utilizing locations across nine different counties. This allowed the filmmakers to capture a diverse range of settings, from suburban neighborhoods to authentic golf courses and municipal buildings, all within a relatively compact geographic area.

Key Filming Locations and Towns

While the film is partially set in Waterbury, Connecticut, the physical shooting took place entirely in New Jersey, utilizing its versatile scenery to double for the fictional locales. The following towns and specific locations have been confirmed or widely reported as filming sites:

• Kearny, New Jersey: This suburb of Newark was one of the key towns where Adam Sandler and other cast members, including the returning Ben Stiller, were spotted filming scenes.
• Verona Town Hall: The Verona Town Hall was a confirmed filming location, with the town posting behind-the-scenes shots of the crew and a message to Adam Sandler.
• Nine Counties: The production spanned nine different counties across the state, showcasing a commitment to utilizing various New Jersey landscapes for the film's backdrop.

The use of New Jersey as the primary filming location aligns with Adam Sandler's recent trend of shooting his Netflix comedies in the state, which has become his unofficial shooting location for many of his Happy Madison Productions.

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Why the Shift from British Columbia to the Garden State?

The move from the lush, mountainous landscapes of British Columbia to the more densely populated and diverse terrain of New Jersey is a significant creative and logistical choice. While the original movie used Canadian courses to stand in for various locations, the sequel appears to be embracing a distinctly American East Coast aesthetic.

One of the main logistical factors driving the decision was the attractive tax incentives offered by the state of New Jersey for film and television production. The state's efforts to become a major hub for the entertainment industry have successfully attracted high-profile projects like Happy Gilmore 2, leading to the massive $152 million investment.

The creative intention behind the new setting remains a mystery, but it suggests that the plot of the sequel will take Happy Gilmore on a new journey, perhaps involving different golf courses and a shift in his life's circumstances. The return of Shooter McGavin, Happy's nemesis, and the involvement of the PGA Tour will likely see the action unfold in a variety of new, challenging environments.

Topical Authority and LSI Entities: The Happy Gilmore Universe

To provide a comprehensive overview, it is essential to note the key entities that define the Happy Gilmore universe and its sequel. The film is a cornerstone of the sports comedy genre, driven by the unique talents of Adam Sandler. The sequel’s success hinges on the return of fan favorites like Christopher McDonald as the arrogant professional golfer Shooter McGavin and the potential for a new generation of antagonists.

The filming in New Jersey, with its specific golf courses and suburban settings, will serve as the backdrop for the next chapter in Happy's life. The story is expected to pick up years after the original, exploring what happened to the former hockey player turned golf star. The use of real-life locations in towns like Kearny and Verona adds a layer of authenticity to the production, which is a hallmark of many Happy Madison Productions.

Fans eagerly await the July 25, 2025 release on Netflix to see how the new Garden State locations will contrast with the iconic, often snowy, Canadian settings of the original. The change in scenery is a clear indication that the sequel aims to be a fresh take on the beloved story, not just a nostalgic retread.