Adam Sandler is back on the green, and this time, he’s bringing along a star-studded cast—and plenty of heartfelt praise for two of pop culture’s biggest names: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

The comedy legend, 58, is set to reprise his iconic role in Happy Gilmore 2, the much-anticipated sequel to his 1996 golf classic. But as excitement swirls around the film’s July 25 Netflix debut, Sandler is making headlines for his glowing words about the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and his superstar girlfriend.

A Warm Welcome to the Happy Gilmore Family

In a recent sit-down with Entertainment Tonight, Sandler and his co-star Julie Bowen opened up about the film’s many celebrity cameos, including Kelce’s buzzworthy appearance. Sandler couldn’t help but light up when asked about working with the NFL star.

“Travis is such a gentle, nice guy, and funny as hell,” Sandler shared. “He’s like the guys I grew up with. When I was with Travis, it reminded me of my buddies in high school and just being able to laugh and say the things you want to say.”

The admiration didn’t stop there. Sandler, who has built a career on blending humor with heart, called Kelce “a stud,” adding, “He’s a great actor and a great human.”

Bowen, who returns as Virginia Venit in the sequel, joined in the praise, joking about the film’s parade of famous faces. “Everybody wanted to be in it,” she quipped. “It wasn’t too difficult” to get big names like Kelce, Bad Bunny, and Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi) on board.

Taylor Swift: Superstar, Songwriter, and Sandler Family Favorite

Of course, no conversation about Kelce these days is complete without mentioning Taylor Swift. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, 35, has become a fixture at NFL games and now, it seems, a favorite of Sandler’s family.

“Taylor is incredible,” Sandler told ET. “Taylor is so damn nice to my family and has always been. My kids have met Taylor a bunch of times over the years, and she’s ridiculously nice to them and warm.”

Sandler’s daughters, Sadie and Sunny, both appear in Happy Gilmore 2—a family affair on and off the screen. He recalled how Swift greeted him and his daughters with a hug at her Eras Tour Film’s Los Angeles premiere in 2023, calling the moment “a real treat for all of us.”

It’s not just his daughters who are starstruck. Sandler admitted on a recent episode of SiriusXM’s Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast that he gets “a little jumpy” around Swift. “Just cause I don’t wanna blow it for my kids… I don’t stay as cool as I can,” he confessed with a laugh.

A Sequel Stacked with Cameos and Heart

Happy Gilmore 2 is shaping up to be more than a nostalgia trip. Alongside Bowen and Sandler, the film features returning favorites like Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, and Dennis Dugan. But it’s the new celebrity cameos that have fans buzzing.

Travis Kelce, fresh off another Super Bowl run, brings his signature charm to the screen. “He fit right in,” Sandler said. “He’s just got that energy. He’s funny, he’s quick, and he’s not afraid to make fun of himself.”

Bad Bunny, who appears as a busboy, and Kid Cudi, alongside several professional golfers, round out the cast. “It’s just a blast,” Bowen said. “We’re all having fun, and I think you can feel that when you watch the movie.”

Building Bridges Between Sports, Music, and Movies

The crossover appeal of Happy Gilmore 2 is no accident. Sandler, who has long embraced a collaborative, family-style approach to filmmaking, sees the movie as a celebration of the communities that have shaped him.

“Whether it’s sports, music, or movies, it’s all about bringing people together,” he explained. “Having Travis and Taylor involved in some way—it just felt right. They’re both at the top of their game, but they never make you feel like you don’t belong.”

Bowen agreed. “It’s a testament to Adam,” she said. “People want to work with him because he makes everyone feel welcome. There’s no ego, just a lot of laughs.”

A Movie for Fans, Families, and First-Timers

As the July 25 premiere approaches, Sandler is quick to remind fans that Happy Gilmore 2 is for everyone—whether you grew up quoting the original or are discovering it for the first time.

“We wanted to make something that feels fresh but still has all the things people loved about the first one,” he said. “There’s heart, there’s comedy, and there’s a lot of surprises.”

For Sandler, the film is also a chance to share the spotlight with his family. “Having my daughters in the movie—it’s a dream,” he said. “They’re talented, they work hard, and they love being part of it.”

A Real-Life Friendship That Shines Onscreen

The mutual respect between Sandler, Kelce, and Swift is more than just good PR—it’s genuine. Sandler’s stories about his daughters’ encounters with Swift, and his camaraderie with Kelce, offer a glimpse into the real friendships that fuel the film’s feel-good spirit.

“Taylor, Travis, Julie—everybody brought their best,” Sandler said. “But more than that, they brought kindness. That’s what makes this movie special.”

Looking Ahead: More Surprises in Store

With Happy Gilmore 2 set to hit Netflix, fans are already wondering what surprises Sandler and his team have up their sleeves. If the cast list and behind-the-scenes stories are any indication, viewers are in for a wild, heartwarming ride.

And while Sandler isn’t giving away any secrets, he promises one thing: “It’s going to be a blast. We made this movie for the fans, for families, and for anyone who just wants to laugh and feel good.”

As Hollywood gears up for the premiere, one thing is clear: Adam Sandler’s world is as warm, welcoming, and wonderfully unpredictable as ever—and this time, he’s bringing along a few new friends.