The cast list for Have fun with Gilmore 2 continues to grow and the latest addition is a popular wrestling star. After years of speculation, it was announced in May that Netflix was officially moving forward with a sequel to 1996 Happy Gilmore. The long-awaited sequel will be directed by Kyle Newacheck, who worked with Sandler in 2019 Crime. The script is by Tim Herlihy and Sandler, and although plot details are still under wraps, the cast list is filling out.

deadline now confirms that Maxwell Jacob Friedman, known to AEW fans as MJF, has joined the sequel. Character details for Friedman, who made his big screen debut in the A24 wrestling drama, are not yet known The Iron Claw. The former AEW World Champion joins an ensemble that reportedly includes Margaret Qualley, Bad Bunny and Benny Safdie. Two actors from the original, Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald, reprise their respective roles as Virginia Venit and Shooter McGavin.

What you should know about MJF

He is one of AEW’s biggest stars

MJF has been a part of All Elite Wrestling since the company’s inception and is the biggest star to emerge from the relatively new wrestling promotion. Since the company started broadcasting its weekly show dynamite By the end of 2019, Friedman has become an audience favorite, even when playing a despicable villain. He’s wrestled memorable matches with CM Punk and Bryan Danielson, both wrestling legends, but the longest-reigning AEW Champion has also helped produce some of AEW’s most breathtaking moments and storylines thanks to his charisma and natural ability.

Because of the secrecy surrounding what’s coming Have fun with Gilmore 2it’s difficult to speculate too wildly about Friedman’s role. His part in it The Iron ClawIn the film, which MJF also executive produced, he played a fictional Von Erich brother alongside Zac Efron. Although Friedman is still visible in the company, the wrestler and producer explained that his lines were cut to make room for the heavy drama’s other stories. His involvement in Have fun with Gilmore 2 could be a bigger stepping stonegiven the legacy of the original.

Our thoughts on MJF joining Happy Gilmore

It’s a high-profile performance

Friedman has more films planned. He is co-author of the comedy The floaterswhich functions Austin Powers Star Seth Green and The boys Alum Aya Cash. He is also in the coming one Chokehold in a villain role alongside Ron Perlman, Jake Lacy, Ashley Benson and Justin Long.

But in being introduced Have fun with Gilmore 2 Given Sandler’s international appeal and the impact of the original, it could be his most visible theatrical appearance to date. Directed by Dennis Dugan and released by Universal Pictures, the first film grossed over $82 million worldwide. It’s a strong addition for a fighter who has openly expressed his goal of focusing on acting.

Source: Deadline