Happy Gilmorefinally got its long-awaited sequel, but you probably missed a crossover with another classic comedy franchise.The originalHappy Gilmorein 1996remains a beloved sports comedy and one of Adam Sandler’s best movies. Nearly 30 years later, the fans' demand for more led toHappy Gilmore 2.
Happy Gilmore 2’s castbrings back a lot of the beloved characters from the original, as well as some homages to the cast members who have since passed away. However, before the sequel made its debut, one ofHappy Gilmore’s best charactersmade a return, appearing in another franchise alongside another comedy superstar.
Shooter McGavin Appears In Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Christopher MacDonald Plays A Familiar-Looking Golfer In The Eddie Murphy Sequel
Before Netflix brought backHappy Gilmore, it resurrected the comedy franchise of Beverly Hills Cop, withEddie Murphy returning as Axel FoleyinBeverly Hills Cop: Axel F. The fourth movie in the franchise is another hilarious and action-packed adventure, while also featuring a surprise cameo from none other than Shooter McGavin (Christopher MacDonald).
One of the standout action sequences inBeverly Hills Cop 4sees Axel and his partner, Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), flying a helicopter through the posh neighborhood.They eventually land on a golf course, ruining the game of a golfer, who is revealed to be Shooter himself.
While he is not mentioned by name, the fact that it is MacDonald in the role of a golfer and wearing a shirt that looks like something from Shooter’s wardrobe makes it clear the movie wants the audience to think it is Shooter.
This does not make much sense given thatHappy Gilmore 2reveals that Shooterwas in a mental institution since the events of the first movie. His appearance inBeverly Hills Cop 4also shows a much less selfish and mean-spirtied Shooter, as he tries to give assistance. Perhaps it can be explained as taking place afterHappy Gilmore 2.
Various Happy Gilmore Characters Have Made Cameos In Other Movies
Hal And Chubbs Peterson Have Popped Up Outside The Happy Gilmore Movies
As surprising as it is to suddenly see Shooter McGavin popping up inBeverly Hills Cop 4, he is not the only character from theHappy Gilmorefranchise who has appeared in other movies. This includes one of the most beloved characters from the original movie and a returning antagonist in the sequel.
Before Ben Stiller reprised his role as the sadistic orderly Hal inHappy Gilmore 2, he briefly appeared inHubie Halloween. The movie reveals that Hal is now working at a mental institution, where he discovers that one of the inmates broke out in the movie’s opening sequence.
While thepassing of Carl Weathers changedHappy Gilmore 2’s plansto include Chubbs Peterson, fans at least got to see the kind and wise golf instructor one last time inLittle Nicky. A scene in the movie finds the kind-hearted demon Nicky (Adam Sandler) going to heaven, where Chubbs is a dance instructor.
Given that these were other Sandler movies, the cameos are slightly less surprising than Shooter’s appearance inBeverly Hills Cop. However, they just showHappy Gilmore’s lasting popularity over the years and the fans' excitement in seeing some of these characters again.
