Excitement Builds for “Happy Gilmore 2”: A Look at Tim Herlihy’s Journey
The highly anticipated release of “Happy Gilmore 2,” the Netflix sequel to the beloved 1996 comedy classic, is just around the corner! While Hollywood executives are busy analyzing audience engagement and social media buzz, Tim Herlihy, the co-writer of both films alongside star Adam Sandler, has a different priority: catching up on yard work at his tranquil home in Connecticut.
Although you may not recognize Herlihy’s name, you’ve definitely enjoyed his humor. His collaborations with Sandler have grossed over $3 billion at the box office, bringing to life iconic films like “Billy Madison” and “The Wedding Singer.” In 2015, the duo made a significant shift to streaming when Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions secured a major deal with Netflix, resulting in comedic hits such as “The Ridiculous 6” and “Hubie Halloween.” With “Happy Gilmore 2” set to be one of the summer’s most exciting comedies, fans are eager for a fresh take on Gilmore’s story.
The original “Happy Gilmore” featured Sandler as a hot-tempered hockey player who breaks into the elite world of professional golf. This film became a staple on cable, resonating with sports enthusiasts and millennial comedy fans alike. In the sequel, we find Gilmore in need of a comeback, receiving support from familiar faces played by Ben Stiller, Margaret Qualley, and Bad Bunny.
Tim Herlihy has an extensive history with Sandler, co-writing 13 films and serving as an executive producer on many more. Their creative partnership thrives on a shared goal: to discover what makes people laugh. Herlihy describes their writing process as hands-on, noting, “We’re both kind of fishing around in the dark… We take a lot of breaks because it’s hard.” When it comes to crafting dialogue, they work in a “rapid-fire” style, always aiming to entertain each other first.
“There’s no such thing as perfection,” Herlihy reflects. “When you want to revisit something, it’s not about thinking it’s terrible; it’s about knowing it can be improved because everything can always be better.” He humorously adds that even the script for “The Godfather” could have been enhanced!
Herlihy and Sandler’s collaboration dates back to their college days at NYU, where they brainstormed ideas for Sandler’s stand-up routines. While Herlihy initially pursued careers as an accountant and attorney, he also wrote for “Saturday Night Live” starting in 1994, eventually becoming the head writer and producer before leaving in 1999.
The decision to revisit “Happy Gilmore” came after years of fan requests for a sequel, but only if they could craft something original. Herlihy explains, “Sometimes a sequel feels like new characters doing the same story. We wanted to do the opposite: keep our beloved characters but introduce a host of new experiences. They would have matured and gone through the same journey we all face.”
A particularly special aspect of the new film for Herlihy is the inclusion of his son, Martin Herlihy, who joined “SNL” in 2021 as a writer and cast member. “Friends and family are woven into these films from the start, and I’m thrilled that my son is now part of that legacy,” he shares.
As our conversation concludes, the prospect of rain brings a smile to Herlihy’s face, hinting that he might just escape some of that yard work after all.
Stay tuned for the release of “Happy Gilmore 2” – it promises to be a summer comedy sensation!
