GROWN UPS 2: Cast, Plot and Behind the Scenes
GROWN UPS 2 arrives in theaters this summer, reuniting an all-star ensemble that includes Adam Sandler, David Spade, Chris Rock, and Kevin James. The sequel to the 2010 comedy follows the same group as they trade city life for more relaxed, small-town fun and a chance to reconnect with old friends. The sunny setup promises plenty of laughs, wild moments, and a warm sense of camaraderie that fans loved the first time around.
In this installment, Lenny Feder, portrayed by Adam Sandler, brings his wife Roxanne, played by Salma Hayek, and their kids back to Lenny’s hometown for a fresh wave of summer mischief. The group of friends Eric Lamonsoff, Kurt McKenzie, and Marcus Higgins, along with their families, find themselves pulled back into the chaotic energy they left behind when they moved away from the big city. As the kids’ last day of school nears, plans for a carefree holiday funnel toward surprising and chaotic outcomes that only this crew could conjure up.
A group of frat boys challenges the grown-ups, with Taylor Lautner cast as Andy, a bold daredevil who tempts the men to dive off a cliff naked. The cast also includes David Henrie, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Milo Ventimiglia as fraternity members, turning the town into a playful battlefield of pranks and bravado that keeps the energy high and the laughs coming.
Newcomers bring fresh sparks to the familiar mix. Shaquille O’Neal is Officer Fluzoo, the town’s big-hearted lawman, while the wrestling icon Steve Austin appears as Tommy Cavanaugh. Andy Samberg, Bobby Moynihan, and Taran Killam join the team as male cheerleaders. Other additions include Nick Swardson reprising his quirky role as Nick, Aly Michalka as Savannah, and Halston Sage as Nancy, expanding the ensemble with bright personalities and unexpected moments.
Maya Rudolph returns as Deanne, Kurt’s wife, adding warmth to the group dynamic, alongside Steve Buscemi as Wiley and Tim Meadows as Malcolm. The original kids from the first film also return, ensuring the familiar blend of humor and heart carries through the sequel while new faces shake things up and keep the film fresh for longtime fans and new audiences alike.
This film marked the first sequel in which Adam Sandler starred, expanding the franchise while staying true to the carefree spirit that defined the original movie. The energy is infectious, and the ensemble’s rapport is evident in every scene, from goofy banter to heartwarming exchanges that highlight the value of friendship and family.
GROWN UPS, released in 2010, followed five friends who reunite after the passing of their high school basketball coach. They decide to spend the Fourth of July weekend together, letting their adult lives drift away for a few days of laughter, camaraderie, and nostalgia, embracing the moment with reckless joy and a sense of shared history that binds them even after years apart.
Even the promotional push got playful. The cast joined the Harlem Shake meme, filming their own goofy clip featuring a dancing bear mascot and lots of silly energy that fans celebrated as an off-screen tribute to their genuine friendship and chemistry.
During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the cast discussed the script and the collaborative nature of the filmmaking process. They explained that after the scripted scenes are shot, performers frequently improvise, adding their own humor to the characters. The dynamic often leads to moments that feel spontaneous and refreshingly unscripted, with Sandler able to maintain a straight face while others riff, and Chris Rock delivering sharp, off-the-cuff lines that earn big laughs. The trailer offers a quick glimpse of the movie’s energy and tone, inviting audiences to anticipate another summer of laughs as the release date approaches. GROWN UPS 2 hits theaters on July 12, 2013, capturing that carefree summer vibe fans crave.