Just like the music industry has Michael Jackson as its King of Rock, the film industry has Adam Sandler, who arguably carries the title of King of Comedy. Being the perfect embodiment of comedic entertainment, Adam Sandler probably already came out of the womb making jokes, and there seems to be no end in sight. Having risen to prominence through his role on Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s, Sandler has been an established actor for over three decades.

With an impressively long list of well-known projects connected to his name, his fans have started to analyze some of his most famous films. After digging deep and connecting the dots, a striking conclusion was formed. Lovingly calling their theory the Adam Sandler Cinematic Universe, the actor's fans are convinced that he has secretly been working on his Sandlerverse for the past 30 years. From running gags and returning characters to numerous references and hilarious connections, Sandler’s movies depict a complex web, and whoever dares to investigate deeper will find themselves in an exciting rabbit hole. But what exactly is the Adam Sandler Cinematic Universe?

Adam Sandler Is a Comedy Legend

From a young age onward, Sandler has made himself a name as an actor and comedian, wrapping the audience around his fingers with his effortless jolliness and growing a loyal fanbase all around the world. Sandler is known as a force to be reckoned with, but in the most positive sense ever. Having built close friendships with other high-profile actors in the industry and equally valuing young talents, he is regarded as one of the most approachable and humble stars in Hollywood.

While SNL built the foundation for his rise to fame, Sandler's first role in the 1995 feature film Billy Madison fully launched his successful career and made him a valuable part of comedy classics. While Sandler's name can be connected to a clear genre, there is much more to him. Looking at his portrayal of the lead characters in the cinematic masterpieces Uncut Gems and Reign Over Me, any doubts about his versatility are instantly erased. Cinephiles will know that Sandler has revealed his skills on multiple occasions, reminding them of his talent to convince in various roles despite his steady image of being a laid-back, genuinely funny entertainer.

What Is the Adam Sandler Cinematic Universe?

The fundamental idea behind the Adam Sandler Cinematic Universe, also known as the Sandlerverse, is that almost all of his movies are part of the same universe and somehow connected. This approach is very much inspired by the well-known Marvel Cinematic Universe, which intentionally creates and expands within an entirely connected universe, featuring numerous cross-overs and a myriad of Easter eggs.

While it is no secret that Sandler loves creating his own Sandlerverse, attentive fans argue that he has, likely unconsciously, already created it. YouTuber Shawn Kohne made it his mission to watch all of Sandler’s and Happy Madison’s movies and tie them together. When he found references and connections between almost all the actor’s films, Kohne realized that the intricate theory of an Adam Sandler Cinematic Universe is anything but unlikely. Gathering his evidence, the YouTuber uploaded a video to the platform, revealing some of the most impressive Easter eggs inside Sandler’s filmography.

Adam Sandler Films and the Same Cast, Same Names, Same Universe

Some of Sandler’s films aren’t necessarily overflowing with quality and an immensely meaningful storyline, but they have made an impact, nonetheless. Sandler has and still continues to provide his fans with often light-hearted and highly enjoyable comedy movies, and there is more to these films than many would think. When taking a closer look at these movies, it seems there is a bigger picture behind them.

The foundation was laid in 1999 when the Sandman founded his own production company, Happy Madison Productions. Getting its name from two of Sandler’s movies, Happy Gilmore (1996) and Billy Madison (1995), which he wrote together with Tim Herlihy, the founding of Happy Madison already hints that Sandler enjoys a good connection. These two movies marked the entry point into Sandler’s Universe almost 30 years ago, and it is safe to say that there is a group of actors who are as much a part of the Sandlerverse as Adam himself. Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, Rob Schneider, and Steve Buscemi are only a few familiar faces who have reappeared in multiple of Sandler’s films.

Looking at the approach of sticking to a similar cast, it can be said that it is not uncommon for directors to work with the same group of actors. Quentin Tarantino, Wes Anderson, Greta Gerwig, Christopher Nolan, and the Coen Brothers are only a few well-known directors who have established close relationships and friendships with certain actors, bringing them back onto the screen for their newest projects. So, what is so different about Adam Sandler’s approach?

Sandler is much more subtle about his returning characters and cast members, which is exactly what makes the theory of the Sandlerverse so exciting: turning it into an on-screen Easter egg hunt. A massive connection can be found between the films Happy Gilmore and Little Nicky.

While the audience gets to know pro-golfer and Happy's coach, Chubbs, in the former movie, watching him fall out a window to his death, the character miraculously reappears in Little Nicky. There he is indeed in heaven, but he has the same name, and it is even mentioned that he used to be a pro-golfer—a classic MCU move, bringing the dead back in one way or the other.

Another noteworthy connection regards Rob Schneider's iconic line, “You can do it,” which fans already loved when he first said it in the 1998 movie Waterboy. However, this line didn't remain solely a part of The Waterboy; it was also used by the same actor in Little Nicky and The Longest Yard in 2005. Schneider has also been involved in another hilarious reference. While he did a fantastic job portraying the sandwich delivery guy in Big Daddy in 1999, he once again appeared in Mr. Deeds as the exact same character.

While the reappearance of the exact same caddy from Happy Gilmore in the 2011 film Jack & Jill is worth mentioning, it is also interesting to look at an even bigger time span. A more recent yet nostalgic hint that Sandler has created his own universe is connected to Ben Stiller. In 1996, the actor stepped into the role of Hal. L in Happy Gilmore, who could be described as a rather unpleasant guy running a nursing home.

He left quite an impression, not just because his mustache looked like it might jump right through the screen but also because of how convincingly he conveyed the sadistic character. Having Stiller return more than 20 years later for the 2020 movie Hubie Halloween and letting him step back into his role of Hal. L, Sandler gave fans the last proof that the Sandlerverse is not just a theory but rather a reality.

There is no denying that the majority of Sandler's films show connections. His approach of using familiar faces and bringing back memorable characters has clearly hit the right nerve and sent fans on a journey of finding even more connections. It could be said that Sandler followed the underlying intention to have all of his creations in one place, and, in the process, he has brought a whole Sandlerverse to life and continues to extend it. Adam Sandler's latest film, Spaceman, is streaming now on Netflix.