Behind the Scenes: Travis Kelce on the Set of Happy Gilmore 2

The highly anticipated sequel to the 1996 cult classic Happy Gilmore hit Netflix on July 25, 2025, and among the star-studded cameos, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has stolen the spotlight. Never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage reveals Kelce in a way fans have never witnessed—channeling a fiery, comedic villain in a role that’s both unexpected and unforgettable. But what’s generating even more buzz is a mysterious cameo spotted in the background, leaving fans speculating about who else joined the Happy Gilmore 2 party.

Kelce’s role as “The Waiter” in Happy Gilmore 2 is a departure from his real-life persona as the charismatic NFL star and Taylor Swift’s partner. In the film, he plays an overbearing, temperamental country club server who clashes with Bad Bunny’s character, Oscar, a well-meaning busboy-turned-caddy. In one scene, Kelce’s character snaps at Oscar for a minor mix-up involving a guest’s drink order, barking, “You told him that was on me, man? You threw me under the bus?” The tension escalates in a dream sequence where Oscar imagines tying a shirtless Kelce to a pole, slathering him in honey, and leaving him to be mauled by a bear—a moment that had audiences, including Swift, cackling. Swift herself took to Instagram, calling the film a “13/10” and cheekily adding a honey emoji to reference the sticky scene.

Behind the scenes, Kelce’s commitment to the role impressed the cast and crew. Director Kyle Newacheck praised Kelce’s “natural charisma” and ability to take direction, noting that he showed up to set just a day after a Chiefs game, sporting a massive bruise on his back but shrugging it off like a “stud.” Adam Sandler, the film’s star and co-writer, echoed this sentiment, telling Entertainment Weekly, “He’s funny, just a great personality. He could be a superstar if he wanted to do that.” Kelce’s improvisational skills shone through, with Sandler revealing that the NFL star added his own comedic flair to the role, blending his athletic showmanship with a knack for humor.

The behind-the-scenes footage, shared by Kelce on Instagram, offers a glimpse into the lively set atmosphere. Photos show him in his waiter uniform alongside Sandler, Bad Bunny, and even his father, Ed Kelce, who makes a brief appearance as a country club patron in a yellow blazer. The father-son cameo added a personal touch, with Kelce calling the experience “surreal” on The Pat McAfee Show. “Working with the Sandman and Happy Productions, it was off the chain,” he said, likening Sandler to “the Andy Reid of the acting world.”

But the real intrigue lies in a mysterious figure spotted in the background of one scene. In the footage, as Kelce delivers his heated lines to Bad Bunny, a blurred individual in a distinctive outfit lingers near the country club bar. Fans on social media have speculated wildly, with some suggesting it could be a surprise appearance by another A-lister, possibly a musician or athlete not listed in the film’s extensive cameo lineup, which includes Eminem, Post Malone, and golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Others wonder if it’s a subtle nod to the original Happy Gilmore, perhaps a relative of a returning character like Mr. Larson.

Theories aside, Kelce’s performance has sparked chatter about his acting future. Sandler hinted on the New Heights podcast that they initially considered casting Kelce as Happy’s son, a role that would’ve leaned into his “badass” persona. While that didn’t materialize, Kelce’s brief but memorable turn in Happy Gilmore 2 proves he’s more than just a football star—he’s a natural on the big screen. As fans dissect the mysterious cameo and rewatch Kelce’s honey-soaked scene, one thing is clear: Happy Gilmore 2 is a hole-in-one for the NFL icon.