The cast list for Happy Gilmore 2 continues to grow, with the latest addition being a popular wrestling star. After years of speculation, it was announced in May that Netflix was officially moving forward with a sequel to 1996’s Happy Gilmore. The long-awaited follow-up will be directed by Kyle Newacheck, who worked with Sandler on 2019’s Murder Mystery. The script will is by Tim Herlihy and Sandler and, although plot details are under wraps, the cast list is filling up.
Deadline now confirms that Maxwell Jacob Friedman, known to AEW fans as MJF, has joined the sequel. Character details are under wraps for Friedman, who made his big screen debut in the A24 wrestling drama The Iron Claw. The former AEW World Champion joins an ensemble that is confirmed to include Margaret Qualley, Bad Bunny, and Benny Safdie. Two actors from the original, Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald, reprise their respective roles as Virginia Venit and Shooter McGavin.
What To Know About MJF
He’s One Of AEW’s Biggest Stars
A part of All Elite Wrestling since the company’s beginning, MJF is the biggest star to come out of the relatively new wrestling promotion. Since the company began airing its weekly show Dynamite in late 2019, Friedman has emerged as a crowd favorite even when he’s playing a loathsome bad guy. He has been in memorable matches with CM Punk and Bryan Danielson, both wrestling legends, but the longest-reigning AEW champion has also helped produce some of AEW’s most stunning moments and storylines thanks to his charisma and natural ability to perform.
Because of the secrecy around the upcoming Happy Gilmore 2, it’s difficult to speculate too wildly on Friedman’s role. His part in The Iron Claw, which MJF also executive produced, had him playing a fictional Von Erich brother alongside Zac Efron. Even though Friedman is still visible in the firm, the wrestler and producer explained that his lines were cut to make room for the heavy drama’s other stories. His involvement in Happy Gilmore 2 could be a greater springboard, given the original’s legacy.
Our Take On MJF Joining Happy Gilmore
It’s A High-Profile Gig
Friedman has other movies coming up. He co-writes in the comedy The Floaters, which features Austin Powers star Seth Green and The Boys alum Aya Cash. He’s also in the upcoming Stranglehold in a villain role opposite Ron Perlman, Jake Lacy, Ashley Benson, and Justin Long.
But being featured in Happy Gilmore 2 may be his most visible big-screen outing yet, considering the international appeal of Sandler and the original’s impact. Directed by Dennis Dugan, and released by Universal Pictures, the first film grossed over $82 million worldwide. It’s a strong addition for a grappler who has been open about his goal of focusing on acting.
Source: Deadline
