Margaret Qualley, a name that has become synonymous with talent and versatility in Hollywood, is gearing up for a much-anticipated role in Adam Sandler’s upcoming sequel, Happy Gilmore 2. The buzz surrounding this film has ignited excitement among fans, but the backstory of how Qualley snagged her role is as entertaining as the movie promises to be.
With a career that boasts notable performances, including her breakout role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and a captivating turn in Maid, Qualley has consistently proven her mettle. However, her commitment to joining Sandler’s comedic world wasn’t merely a product of her ambition—it also involved a bit of playful deception from her husband, Jack Antonoff.
How a Husband’s Little Lie Made a Big Impact
The saga began when news broke that Happy Gilmore 2 was officially in production. As a self-proclaimed fan of Adam Sandler, Qualley wasted no time in reaching out to her agents, insisting, “Whatever it takes.” It was a bold move, but her determination was unwavering.
No role was too small for me.
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Qualley revealed the humorous twist behind her casting. Sandler had reached out to Antonoff to inquire whether his wife had any golfing skills. In a moment of pure husbandly loyalty, Antonoff replied,
“Yeah, she’s actually good!”
—a declaration that was far from the truth, as Qualley candidly admitted,
“I can’t golf. He lied for the sake of the family. Never golfed a day in my life. I’m terrible actually.”
In an industry where networking and strategic moves can pave the way for success, Antonoff’s fib turned out to be a clever ploy that ultimately helped his wife land a coveted role in a major film.
A New Challenge: Learning the Game of Golf
As the laughter settled in the studio, Qualley shared how she managed to prepare for her role despite her lack of experience.
“I started hitting a few balls with the barn owner where I went to. That’s how I ended up being quite decent at golf,”
she explained. This journey from being a complete novice to gaining confidence in the sport is a testament to her work ethic and adaptability.
With the combination of her husband’s playful exaggeration and her determination to master the game, Qualley is poised to bring a fresh energy to Happy Gilmore 2, a film that promises to blend humor with sports in true Sandler fashion.
The Shadow of Past Collaborations: Al Pacino’s Experience with Sandler
While Qualley’s excitement about working with Sandler is palpable, not all actors share the same enthusiasm. Veteran actor Al Pacino has publicly expressed his misgivings about his experience working with Sandler on the 2011 film Jack and Jill. The movie, which features Pacino in a comedic role, was not well-received, earning a mere 3.3/10 rating on IMDb and an abysmal 3% on Rotten Tomatoes.
In a candid interview, Pacino referred to his experience on the film as
“one of the most humiliating moments of my life,”
highlighting how it affected his reputation.
“After Jack & Jill, it went silent. No one would take me seriously anymore. Until Marty and The Irishman saved me,”
he lamented. This stark contrast between Pacino’s experience and Qualley’s budding excitement underscores the unpredictable nature of the film industry..
Anticipation for Happy Gilmore 2
As the release date for Happy Gilmore 2 remains under wraps, fans are eager to see how Qualley’s journey unfolds on screen. With her undeniable talent and a humorous backstory that brought her to this point, there’s no doubt that audiences will be in for a treat. As Qualley prepares to take on the role, one thing is certain: her husband’s lighthearted lie may just have paved the way for a memorable performance in a film that’s already generating significant buzz.
As Happy Gilmore 2 approaches its release, the blend of comedy, sport, and personal anecdotes surrounding its production adds an intriguing layer to the film’s narrative. Will Margaret Qualley shine in her role? Fans will just have to wait and see!