On February 1, 2024, the world lost Carl Weathers, age 76, best known as Apollo Creed in Rocky and Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore. Film fans were shocked. So were the makers of Happy Gilmore 2. Weathers was set to return in a “massive part” that would bring warmth and emotion back to the golf comedy.

The Sequel’s Original Story

In early script drafts, Chubbs was more than a cameo. He would return in:

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  • Dream sequences guiding Happy
  • A storyline about Chubbs’ son
  • Moments meant to bring tears and meaning to the story

Adam Sandler shared how Chubbs’ son was angry at Happy for his father’s death. These scenes were meant to deepen the movie’s heart.

Rewriting the Script

After Weathers passed away, the creative team faced a test. Sandler and director Kyle Newacheck had to rebuild the story around his absence.

Newacheck summed it up simply: “You can’t make Happy Gilmore without Chubbs Peterson.” Instead of cutting Chubbs, they chose to honor him in small but powerful ways:

  • Indirect mentions in dialogue
  • Props or mementos tied to Chubbs
  • Emotional tone that echoes his spirit

Honoring His Memory

Sandler paid tribute to Weathers in a social post: “Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything.” Weathers’ family added that he “left an indelible mark” across film and sports.

New Stars Step In

While navigating grief, the cast welcomed fresh faces:

Returning Stars Newcomers & Cameos
Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore)  Travis Kelce (NFL star)
Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller  Bad Bunny, Eminem, Post Malone
Dennis Dugan, Kevin Nealon  Rory McIlroy, Paige Spiranac, Scottie Scheffler

Travis Kelce shared that working with Sandler felt like teaming up with old friends. Sandler praised Kelce and Taylor Swift for being “so warm” to his family.

More Special Moments Ahead

As part of the celebration, the original film’s iconic hockey-stick putter is now on display at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel, Florida, from July 21 ahead of the sequel’s launch.

The sequel hits Netflix on July 25, 2025. Sadly, the original film will be removed from Netflix US on July 31, so fans only have one week to enjoy both back-to-back.

Why This Sequel Matters

This film is more than golf jokes and cameos. It shows how to respect the past while moving forward.

  • Tribute Over Replacement: Chubbs remains a guiding light, even off-screen.
  • New Energy: Stars like Kelce and Bad Bunny bring new humor.
  • Fan Nostalgia: The original cast and props reconnect viewers to 1996.

Final Words

Carl Weathers left a legacy that goes beyond movies. As Apollo Creed, Chubbs Peterson, and Greef Karga, he gave fans joy and strength.

Happy Gilmore 2 stands as a respectful, fun sequel. It honors Chubbs with heart and humor. It reminds us that some characters never really leave. They stay with us, guiding us—on screen and in our hearts.

Featured img url – Luigi Novi, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Malin Rasmussen

About the author

Malin Rasmussen

Malin Rasmussen is a flight attendant with a zest for travel, culinary adventures, and wine. When she’s not soaring through the skies, Malin enjoys attending concerts and exploring new destinations. Her love for cooking and fine wines adds a rich, flavorful touch to her life. As a contributor, Malin shares her unique experiences and passion for travel and gastronomy, bringing our readers a delightful mix of stories and insights