Travis Kelce Steals Spotlight in Netflix’s Happy Gilmore 2

NFL star Travis Kelce, one of the best players of all time, is now making headlines in the entertainment world after making his debut as an actor in the highly teased Happy Gillmore 2 sequel to the comedy classic Happy Gilmore in 1996. Netflix released the film on July 25, 2023, even bringing back many of the fan-favorite characters, in addition to creating a new wave of celebrities - and Kelce's outrageous moment is already trending on social media.

Based on his accidental comedic timing, and ever absurd albeit unforgettable moment, he has once again shown that he is more than just a great athlete. In fact, fans are even claiming that it is one of the more talked-about moments in the film.

What Part Does Travis Kelce Have in the Film?

Travis Kelce appears in a surreal and exaggerated dream sequence as a loud-mouthed waiter in an upscale restaurant. The restaurant scene takes a wild turn when he fires Oscar, the young caddy (Bad Bunny). What follows quickly becomes absurd, with Kelce ending up tied to a pole, drenched in honey, and getting licked by a bear. It's definitely one of the most over-the-top comedic parts of the movie.

While it does not last long, the impact of the performance is felt. The scene contains slapstick humor and heightened exaggeration, which is a role Kelce easily slides into. It is not something you would expect from a professional athlete who is respected for his ability to physically dominate an opponent. It is refreshing to witness an athlete who could easily be the least serious person regarding comedy, to be so self-less for the sake of comedy.

This cameo is not really a cameo, because it is a full comedic performance where it shows how Kelce was comfortable in front of a camera, and that he has the ability to surprise an audience intentionally and unintentionally.

More of Travis in Happy Gilmore 2! pic.twitter.com/ymSobR5l3T

— Travis Kelce Fan Page (@traviskelce_fan) July 25, 2025

How Did Fans Respond to Travis Kelce's Scene?

People didn't waste any time rushing to talk about the scene, in fact, the very same weekend that it premiered, Kelce's scene was trending on Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit. Many fans shared video clips of the honey-bear scene while there were even more fans who shared Kelce's just "being Kelce" moments preceding the honey-bear moment, like his self-deprecating joke that it was hard to choose a perfect costume when you have a great body. 

Travis Kelce is unironically good in Happy Gilmore 2 so Taylor should cast him in the movie she's directing pic.twitter.com/f2tyg4329p

— ✪ Nick ❯❯❯❯ (@SpiderNick06) July 25, 2025

Comments I saw ranged from "I never thought I’d see Travis Kelce get licked by a bear on Netflix," to "He should get an Emmy just for being this full-on chaos." For anyone who didn't know how funny Kelce's on-field persona is more rooted in who he is off the field, this scene with the honey-beer served as a baptism into a very weird and clever human being.

In addition to being captivating and entertaining, the scene has also spawned a growing collection of memes, reaction GIFs, and mashups that have flooded the internet. It goes without saying that, even with the all-star cast, Kelce was able to leave one of the most lasting impressions of the film.

#TravisKelce in #HappyGilmore 2 with #AdamSandler. #chiefs #chiefskingdom #kelce pic.twitter.com/yPWnTqTv3H

— Starcade Media (@StarcadeMediaKC) July 25, 2025

What Was Taylor Swift’s Reaction to the Film?

Travis Kelce's girlfriend Taylor Swift added her own spotlight to the moment with a Funny/Instagram Story endorsement of the film. She posted a clip of Kelce's dream scene with a caption that said "13/10. I laughed so hard I had to pause. My honey bear is now literally a honey bear." 

The post went viral in minutes as Swifties and NFL fans alike were rapidly taking screen shots and expressing their direct reactions. Her goofy acknowledgment exposed her personality and helped illuminate to the pop culture world, the delightfulness of the project.

Many who never would have considered watching a sports comedy watched just to see what the buzz was all about. And, when they did, Kelce's performance immersed them in the kind of unique entertainment that was on offer.

All the Celebrity Cameos in Happy Gilmore 2

While Kelce's cameo may be making the biggest headlines, he isn't the only celebrity featured in Happy Gilmore 2. There are so many special guest stars in the film that ranges from rock stars to actual golf legends.

Here is a look at some of the notables:

• Bad Bunny as Oscar, the new-age caddy with an attitude.
• Post Malone plays a tattooed golf cart mechanic.
• Guy Fieri as an excited golf tournament host.
• Other pro golfers like Rory McIlroy and Lexi Thompson also make silly cameos.

These cameos create a new and entertaining dimension for the sequel, and help connect the nostalgic tone of the first movie to today's celebrity-driven pop culture.

Adam Sandler on Kelce: "He Crushed It"

Adam Sandler, who makes a return as Happy Gilmore and also co-produced the movie, had nothing but praises for Kelce on a recent press tour. Sandler claimed that Kelce came straight from a football game, full of bumps and bruises, but determined to do his best performance. 

"He came in straight from the field, didn't complain one time, and crushed it," Sandler said. "He is a full pro, funny, humble, and just so, so naturally good on camera."

Sandler would also go on to say that the cameo was never intended for Kelce, but after they saw his past performance on Saturday Night Live, they knew it would make a great comedic surprise moment.

Who Returned from the Original Happy Gilmore?

The sequel also brought back some familiar actors from the original Happy Gilmore movie from 1996: 

• Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore, now older and guiding the next generation. 
• Christopher McDonald returns again as Shooter McGavin, again bringing a little bit of rivalry and cockiness.  
• Julie Bowen (Virginia Venit) comes back in a brief appearance, connecting the emotional storylines from Happy's journey. 

Their return creates more continuity in a sequel and gives it some heart. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder to the audience of what made the original a cult classic.

What Was the Budget and Sandler’s Pay for the Sequel?

Happy Gilmore 2 is said to have a production budget of about $65 million, including costs for location shooting and paying talent fees. Adam Sandler, who has a current deal with Netflix, was said to make an estimated $30 million for acting in and producing the film. 

Netflix's high budget reflects the company's expectation the sequel will do very well globally with an actor that reaches many generations and fan bases.

Is Travis Kelce Transitioning to Hollywood?

Kelce's relaxed personality and great sense of humor, showcased in his recent Happy Gilmore 2 appearance, Saturday Night Live hosting, and many commercials, have led some to believe he could have a successful acting career once he stops playing football.

Although Kelce is currently focused solely on the NFL, it wouldn't be surprising to see him in more projects in the entertainment space. Whether its him as a host again, acting, or appearing again getting paid, he clearly has the smile and likable personality to be a successful actor as well.

Conclusion

In a comedy that highlights hilarity, nostalgia and celebrity, Travis Kelce’s small but memorable role in Happy Gilmore 2 has emerged as the most viral moment in the film. Thanks to Kelce’s comedic talent, his outlandish performance, support from Taylor Swift, and Adam Sandler liking it, Kelce is once again, a person who has proven he is one of the most popular, and likable, and multi-faceted characters in sports and entertainment today. 

His feature role in Happy Gilmore 2 is more than a hilarious skit, it is a reminder that talent, personality, and a good sense of humor can offer opportunities beyond the football field.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): people.com