Fans have been elated since the release of Happy Gilmore 2, which dropped Friday on Netflix. Much has been made of the film’s cameos and its numerous New Jersey filming locations, not to mention the divided critical response. (Our largely positive review called it “one of Sandler’s best Netflix collaborations” and one of the star’s “finest comedies in at least a decade.” In addition to the nostalgic reverie, one piece of info has consumed the discourse: the amount of money New Jersey poured into Happy Gilmore 2’s production. So, exactly how much money did the Garden State fork over to fund Adam Sandler’s sequel?
How much money did Happy Gilmore 2 receive in tax credits?
According to N.J. Advance Media, Netflix spent around $152 million in New Jersey while filming Happy Gilmore 2. This includes location and equipment rentals as well as crew pay, food and lodging, and transportation. In return for the hefty investment, New Jersey awarded the production roughly $62.5 million in tax credits. That means Netflix’s total expenditure in the state was closer to $89.5 million, admittedly still a lofty sum.
Related: All of the Cameos in ‘Happy Gilmore 2,’ Explained
Like many states outside of California wishing to attract Hollywood projects, the New Jersey Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Program offers a competitive, transferable tax credit of between 30 and 35 percent against the corporation business tax and the gross income tax related to some expenses incurred for the production of approved films and digital media content in the state.
Though the tax credit certainly enticed the crew to New Jersey, where several other Sandler’sNetflix comedies have been shot, director Kyle Newacheck revealed to the outlet that the financial bonus was only a small part of the decision to bring the production to New Jersey. “I really liked some old buildings we shot in,” he explained. “My goodness, you have some beautiful golf courses out there in New Jersey,” Newacheck continued. But not everything was hunky dory. “My only complaint is how humid it was when I was walking around scouting [locations]. I mean, it’s not even really a complaint. I just remember that my entire being was covered in sweat, and I wasn’t used to that feeling.”
Where can I watch Happy Gilmore 2?
Happy Gilmore 2 is streaming on Netflix.
Related: How Does ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Compare to the Classic Original?
How Much Money Did New Jersey Pay ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ to Film There? first appeared on Men’s Journal on Jul 28, 2025
