Why Adam Sandler always casts the same friends in his movies

Adam Sandler is one of the faces of the comedy genre in Hollywood, and while you may know the slapstick comedian for his iconic roles over the years, you'll also notice the same faces alongside him.

In case you missed it, Happy Gilmore 2 came out over the weekend, almost 30 years after the original.

The film featured a large number of actors from its predecessor, as well as a number of other notable celebrities, such as Bad Bunny and Eminem.

Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, and even Ben Stiller reprised their roles, which again presents the question: how does Sandler keep getting the same people (mostly his friends) in his movies?

The 58-year-old has been in too many films to count over the years, but you'll notice the same faces popping up across the majority of these titles.

Sandler likes to keep his circle small, for one good reason (Columbia Pictures)

Take Grown Ups for example, where Sandler employs real-life mates Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider as his in-film best friends.

While Schneider didn't return for its sequel, the core remained together, and generated almost $520 million at the box office across the films.

The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates, and Blended also feature Sandler and Drew Barrymore as the leads, so it's clear that Sandler likes to work with people he likes.

When asked about Sandler's choice to work with his pals over and over on The Howard Stern Show in 2015, he gave an honest answer.

In the clip, which has resurfaced on social media, he admitted: "I grew up with these guys.

"We have such a great time together. And, honestly, life's short. Why not do what makes you happy with people you love?"

As it all goes beyond the feeling of comfort, Sandler went on to explain the importance of spending time with loved ones: "I don't care if it's good or bad (for business); I just like to be with my friends."

Hollywood is known as an unforgiving world, but Sandler has long been known to be someone who keeps his circle close and makes films he genuinely wants to, regardless of their performance at the box office.

Sandler values time with his friends above any box office numbers (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)

It's clear that he has on-screen chemistry with many of his mates too, something unique that his fans love.

This results in the laid-back nature of many of his films, as he went on: "I don't need to meet new people. I've got the best people in my life already."

In fact, the actor went one step further with his latest film, giving roles to his wife and their two daughters in Happy Gilmore 2.

Speaking to USA Today about their inclusion, Sandler said: "It is just all happening fast.

"Kids are growing up − they really are into acting and movies, and it's always been our thing to work with our friends and family. It's cool to see them getting better. They work hard and they go to school for it, and they love it. So, yeah, I'm just proud. Couldn't love them more."