Why ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Will Struggle Without Chubbs Peterson’s Iconic Presence!

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Thirty years later, everyone’s favorite comedic golfer, Happy Gilmore, is making a comeback on the golf course! The long-awaited sequel to the ’90s smash hit, “Happy Gilmore 2“, will be available for streaming on Netflix starting July 25th. In this new adventure, we’ll see Adam Sandler’s character Happy returning from retirement, this time to finance his daughter’s ballet school. A few familiar faces from the original cast are set to reappear, but there’s one notable absence.

I fondly remember Carl Weathers portraying Chubbs Peterson, Happy’s mentor in the original film, who was a retired golf star and guiding light to our protagonist. Unfortunately, his untimely demise marked the end of his character journey in February 2024, before the sequel even began production in September. It remains uncertain whether he would have reprised his role, perhaps as a flashback or spiritual presence.

The recent trailer for the sequel does hint at Happy working with the next generation of the Peterson family, but it’s hard not to feel a void without Chubbs. He was an unforgettable character in the 1996 film and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by fans.

Although they may attempt to honor Chubbs’ legacy through his son, it won’t quite replicate the magic he brought to the original. Let’s see how the sequel manages without one of its key players from the first installment.

Chubbs Was a Standout in ‘Happy Gilmore’

In a nutshell, everyone’s familiar with the tale of “Happy Gilmore,” where an unpredictable hockey player steps into a golf tournament to prevent grandma’s house from being repossessed. This movie was one of the most hilarious in the ’90s, solidifying Adam Sandler as a top-tier leading actor. The original cast, including Sandler, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, and Kevin Nealon, are all set to return for the sequel. However, sadly, the character Chubbs Peterson, who was played by the late great Carl Weathers, will not be making a comeback.

For the first time, Chubbs and Happy cross paths at a batting cage. Trying to persuade him, Chubbs encourages Happy to consider golf. Initially uninterested, Happy eventually consents when he learns about the potential winnings in the upcoming open tournament. With the prospect of restoring his grandmother’s house in mind, Happy accepts Chubbs’ guidance on the green. A bond develops between them, evolving into a sincere friendship. However, things take an unexpected turn when Happy gifts Chubbs the head of the alligator that bit him – a situation we all know doesn’t end well. Let’s just say it’s not exactly a joyful conclusion to their story. If you’re unfamiliar with the reference, it’s not a cheerful ending.

A majority of fans who loved the original movie would likely concur that Chubbs was a standout favorite character. This popularity can be attributed largely to Chris Farley’s exceptional portrayal of the role. Chubbs was a dedicated golfer who showed genuine concern for his partner, and he occasionally added humor with his absurd hand injury storyline – the broken wooden limb, the pet alligator he always carried around, and even the name “Chubbs.” All these elements have become legendary. Adam Sandler has hinted that the upcoming film will honor Chris Farley in some way, but specifics are yet to be revealed.

‘Happy Gilmore’ Is Not the Same Without Chubbs

In February of 2024, Chubbs unfortunately passed away, a full three months prior to the official announcement of the sequel in May. Consequently, it remains uncertain whether he would have made an appearance in the movie. Given that his character was a significant part of the original, fans have speculated about how his role could have been incorporated. One imaginative idea is that he might have appeared in flashbacks or as a ghost imparting wisdom to Happy from beyond the grave, much like he did in Little Nicky. However, since the plotlines in Sandler films aren’t always predictable, it’s hard to say for sure if this would have been the case.

In my opinion, regrettably, the new movie doesn’t feature everyone’s favorite character, Chubbs, this time. However, the Peterson family still makes an appearance, albeit through a different member – Chubbs’ son, portrayed by Lavell Crawford. While his screen time is limited, his family resemblance, particularly the wooden prosthetic hand, is undeniable.

The filmmakers seem to be paying tribute to the iconic character from the original, as they’ve introduced Chubbs Jr. into the narrative. Could it be that the roles are reversed in this movie, with Happy taking on a mentorship role for Chubbs’ son? That remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – will it be able to recapture the magic of the original? Only time will tell.

In simpler terms,

While Chubbs Jr. might not be like his father, it doesn’t mean he’ll be a bad character in the upcoming “Happy Gilmore 2.” The original film wouldn’t have been the same without Chubbs Peterson, who played a crucial role in encouraging Happy Gilmore as a golfer. His belief gave the audience faith too, and without him, Happy might never have taken golf seriously. Chubbs’ unique blend of straight-faced seriousness and comic relief made him a beloved character, and it’s hard to imagine “Happy Gilmore 2” shining as brightly without him. The sequel will feature many cameos and returning stars, but none will shine as bright as the legend that was Chubbs Peterson. “Happy Gilmore 2” is set to stream on Netflix starting July 25. Don’t forget to catch up with the original on Hulu and Peacock!

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2025-06-08 01:35