See Adam Sandler, Benny Safdie filming ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ in N.J. — and new casting call

If you were in Clifton today, you might have seen Adam Sandler filming with a man wearing an eye patch.
That man?
Benny Safdie, who has a role in Sandler’s upcoming movie “Happy Gilmore 2.”
As an actor, Safdie, 38, is known for roles in films like the Oscar-winning “Oppenheimer” and the Showtime series “The Curse,” which he co-created with Nathan Fielder. As a director, Safdie is known for movies like “Uncut Gems,” co-directed by his brother, Josh Safdie. The 2019 film stars Sandler in an unforgettable performance as embattled New York jeweler Howard Ratner.
On the “Happy Gilmore 2″ set at the Clifton Commons shopping center Tuesday, Safdie could be seen wearing a patch on his right eye. The right side of his face looked reddened and scarred, and he was dressed in a knit cap and striped shirt with long drawstrings. Sandler was in red plaid over a T-shirt.
READ MORE: See Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller (as Hal L.!) on ‘Happy Gilmore 2′ set in N.J.
Part of the parking lot had been made to look like Line Drive Sports Center, an attraction with batting cages, mini-golf and go-carts.
Sandler, 58, has been filming the Netflix sequel to his 1996 comedy “Happy Gilmore” in New Jersey since September.
The movie has filmed at private country clubs and golf courses like Fiddler’s Elbow in Bedminster as well as at local schools, stores, beaches and more in Kearny, Newark (where the movie filmed Monday), South Orange, Middletown and beyond.
Kyle Newacheck is helming “Happy Gilmore 2,” having previously directed Sandler in Netflix’s “Murder Mystery” (2019).
Sandler, who is producing the sequel as well as starring, recently filmed in Kearny with Ben Stiller, who reprises the role of the mustachioed Hal L., the villainous orderly from the first “Happy Gilmore.”
In Sandler’s 1996 classic, Happy is a hockey enthusiast who tries out golf and enters a tournament in an effort to win money to save his grandmother’s house.
READ MORE: See photos of Adam Sandler on ‘Happy Gilmore 2′ set in N.J. (and who’s in the movie)
There have been a series of casting calls for locals to join the film as paid extras and background actors. The latest, which Grant Wilfley Casting announced Tuesday, invites New Jersey residents to appear in the movie as party guests in scenes being filmed Thursday.
Only those who haven’t worked on the film yet can apply. To submit yourself for consideration, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Party Guest 11/21″ and include photos of yourself and your name, phone number, union status (SAG or non-SAG), age (must be over 18), height, weight, clothing and shoe sizes, availability and whether or not you are local to New Jersey.
READ MORE: ‘Happy Gilmore 2′ is still casting N.J. locals — with a catch. See the details.
Emmy winner Julie Bowen (“Modern Family”) is among those actors reprising their “Happy Gilmore” characters in the sequel. Bowen played Virginia Venit, Happy’s love interest, in the first film.
Christopher McDonald is also back as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s pro golfer nemesis.
The full cast is like a who’s who of Hollywood, music and sports.
New faces to “Happy Gilmore” include Safdie and Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end otherwise known as Taylor Swift’s boyfriend.
Bad Bunny, aka global music megastar Benito Martínez Ocasio (“Narcos: Mexico,” “Bullet Train,” “F9″), also has a role. Emmy nominee Margaret Qualley (”The Substance,” “Maid”) makes a small appearance.
Rapper Eminem is rumored to have a surprise cameo, too.
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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at [email protected] and followed at @AmyKup.