It’s been nearly 30 years since Happy Gilmore teed off and won over audiences with its slapstick golf antics and unexpected heart.
Now, as Netflix gears up for the release of Happy Gilmore 2 on July 25, one of the original film’s stars, Julie Bowen, admits she didn’t think she’d be part of the sequel.
Bowen, who played Virginia Venit, the PR director and love interest to Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore, opened up at Netflix’s Tudum 2025 event, where the sequel’s official trailer debuted. “When I heard it was happening, I thought, ‘Well I won’t be in it,’” Bowen told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s been 30 years.
He’s got a hottie now — some little bitty on the side, like a cart girl.”
Sydney Sweeney Rumors Had Her Convinced She Was Out
Bowen revealed that her own kids helped spread the doubt.
“Before I was even told officially, my now 18-year-old said, ‘Mom, I hear they’re doing a sequel and he’s with Sydney Sweeney as a cart girl,’” she said, referencing online rumors that the Euphoria star would be cast as Happy’s new love interest.
Though the casting rumor turned out to be false, it had an impact.
“I went, I’m hurt and I so respect that move,” Bowen joked.
“So when I got the call that I was actually in it, I was like, ‘Are you sure? Come on.’”
Her candid reaction adds a humorous layer to her return — one that fans of the original will surely appreciate.
The Star-Studded Sequel Adds a Modern Twist
Happy Gilmore 2 isn’t just bringing back Julie Bowen and Adam Sandler.
The cast list is full of surprising new additions, including Bad Bunny, Margaret Qualley, Benny Safdie, Travis Kelce, Kym Whitley, and even Eminem. And yes, original villain Shooter McGavin, played by Christopher McDonald, is also back.
Happy Gilmore 2
Bowen, who calls herself a “superfan” of Bad Bunny, was especially starstruck on set.
“Seeing Bad Bunny on set I was just like, ‘Oh, I can’t actually look you in the eye, I’m going to have to walk away,’ and I did,” she said.
“I think he was offended and I had to circle back and now I made it worse. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t want to meet her heroes because I think I’m just going to be a jackass.”
A Sequel Rooted in Nostalgia and Surprise
The trailer for Happy Gilmore 2 promises a continuation of the original’s quirky tone with a more introspective edge. Sandler’s Happy Gilmore is now older, a little wearier, and facing a new generation of golfers.
Director Kyle Newacheck, known for his work on Workaholics, brings fresh energy to the sequel, while Dennis Dugan, director of the original, returns as executive producer and reprises his role as tour commissioner Doug Thompson.
Also back are Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald. And with Sandler co-writing the script alongside Tim Herlihy, the project maintains its creative core.
Final Thoughts: Bowen’s Return Reflects the Sequel’s Heart
Bowen’s surprise inclusion in Happy Gilmore 2 is more than a nostalgic callback — it reflects the movie’s deeper emotional current. The sequel isn’t just rehashing the past but blending old and new to create something that respects its origins while aiming for relevance.
With high-profile cameos, returning fan-favorite characters, and Bowen’s delightful mix of humility and humor, the film is positioned to be more than just a comedy sequel — it’s shaping up to be a pop culture event.
As July 25 approaches, fans can prepare for laughs, heart, and yes, a few golf balls flying in all the wrong directions.
