Unmasked: Who Is Frank Manatee In Happy Gilmore 2? The Villain And His Unexpected Star
The long-awaited sequel, Happy Gilmore 2, is finally in production, and as of December 21, 2025, the biggest question on every fan’s mind isn’t just whether Happy can still crush a drive, but who is the new villain stepping into the massive shoes left by Shooter McGavin. That villain is a brand new character named Frank Manatee, and the actor playing him is a surprising, critically-acclaimed director and performer known for his intense dramatic work, making this casting one of the most exciting elements of the upcoming Netflix film.
Frank Manatee is poised to be the primary antagonist of the film, a corporate mogul who threatens Happy Gilmore’s legacy and the spirit of the game with his own bizarre, stunt-based golf league. The role is being filled by Benny Safdie, an actor/writer/director celebrated for his work on films like Uncut Gems and Oppenheimer, marking a hilarious and unexpected reunion with Adam Sandler. This deep dive will unmask the character, detail the actor's background, and explain how this new foe will challenge Happy Gilmore in the biggest golf showdown of the decade.
The Unexpected Star: Benny Safdie’s Biography and Profile
The man behind the Frank Manatee character is Benny Safdie, a name that might be unfamiliar to casual comedy fans but is instantly recognizable to cinephiles. His casting in a major Adam Sandler comedy sequel is a fascinating pivot from his established career, making him an "unsurprising standout" in the new film.
- Full Name: Benjamin Safdie
- Date of Birth: February 24, 1986
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
- Occupation: Actor, Writer, Director, Editor
- Key Collaborator: His brother, Josh Safdie (together, they are known as the Safdie Brothers).
- Breakthrough Directing Work: Good Time (2017), starring Robert Pattinson.
- Landmark Directing Work with Sandler: Uncut Gems (2019), which earned Adam Sandler critical acclaim and numerous awards.
- Major Acting Roles: He has appeared in his own films and others, notably as Edward Teller in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster Oppenheimer (2023) and as the co-creator of the titular show in the A24 series The Curse (2023).
- Connection to Sandler: Safdie co-directed Sandler in the intense, critically-acclaimed drama Uncut Gems, making their collaboration on Happy Gilmore 2 a highly anticipated reunion.
Benny Safdie’s background is primarily in gritty, high-tension, independent cinema, making his shift to the over-the-top, zany villainy of Frank Manatee a testament to his versatility as a performer. His involvement suggests a commitment to high-caliber acting, even in a broad comedy, promising a villain with unexpected depth or, at the very least, a memorable performance.
Frank Manatee: The New Corporate Antagonist and Founder of Maxi Golf
Frank Manatee is not just a quirky new character; he is the central antagonist who drives the plot of Happy Gilmore 2. He is designed to be the modern, corporate foil to Happy Gilmore’s blue-collar, old-school style, much like Shooter McGavin was the established, elitist foil in the original film.
Character Profile: Frank Manatee
- Role in the Film: Primary Antagonist/Villain.
- Business Affiliation: CEO of an energy/sports drink company.
- Golf Affiliation: Founder of the "Maxi League" or "Maxi Golf."
- Signature Trait: He is described as being "halitosis-plagued," adding a gross-out comedy element to his villainy.
- The Conflict: Manatee’s Maxi Golf is a "new stunt-based golf league" that threatens the integrity and future of traditional golf, forcing Happy Gilmore out of retirement to save the sport he once reluctantly embraced.
Manatee's organization, Maxi Golf, is the sequel’s answer to the PGA Tour, but with a modern, extreme twist. This new league is likely a commentary on the commercialization and "extreme sports" culture that has permeated various professional sports, providing a perfect platform for Happy’s signature blend of hockey-style aggression and golf prowess to return. The plot setup pits Happy, who is now a retired golfer and a family man, against the corporate greed and flashy, inauthentic nature of Manatee's operation.
The character is specifically noted as being an "over-the-top villain," suggesting he will carry the comedic weight and escalating absurdity that made Shooter McGavin so iconic. Reports from the film's set and early descriptions indicate that Frank Manatee experiences a growing number of injuries throughout the movie, leading to a visually comedic and increasingly battered appearance.
The Significance of the Benny Safdie-Adam Sandler Reunion
The casting of Benny Safdie as Frank Manatee is more than just a surprising choice; it's a significant moment for both actors and the film's tone. Their previous collaboration on Uncut Gems was a masterclass in tension and dramatic acting, far removed from the zany world of a Happy Madison production. The fact that Sandler brought Safdie into the fold for his most anticipated sequel signals a willingness to blend different comedic and dramatic sensibilities.
This reunion is a long-awaited payoff for fans who appreciated the electric energy between the two during the *Uncut Gems* press tour and the film itself. Safdie's ability to embody intense, slightly awkward, and often unsettling characters, as seen in *The Curse*, suggests Frank Manatee will be a multi-layered antagonist, not just a cartoon cutout. He will likely bring a manic energy and a unique physical comedy to the role, contrasting perfectly with Adam Sandler's signature man-child persona.
A New Kind of Antagonist for a New Era
While Christopher McDonald is confirmed to be reprising his role as the legendary Shooter McGavin, Frank Manatee represents the modern threat. Shooter McGavin was a rival golfer—a professional nemesis. Frank Manatee, on the other hand, is a corporate villain, a CEO whose goal is to monetize and corrupt the sport. This shift in antagonist type reflects a common theme in modern sequels: the fight is no longer just against an individual, but against a system or a corporation.
The plot is expected to revolve around Happy Gilmore needing to come out of retirement to defeat Manatee's Maxi Golf, likely in a high-stakes tournament that blends traditional golf with the "stunt-based" challenges of the new league. This setup allows for classic *Happy Gilmore* antics, including over-the-top violence, celebrity cameos, and, of course, a return to Happy's signature, powerful slap-shot swing.
The film, which is being produced by Netflix, is well and truly on the way, with production details and cast announcements confirming its status as one of the most exciting comedy sequels in years. Frank Manatee, played by Benny Safdie, is the key to that excitement, promising a fresh, zany, and memorable villain who will ensure the spirit of the original film remains intact while offering a new, contemporary challenge for Happy Gilmore.
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