Julie Bowen is excited to return to her iconic role as Virginia Venit in the upcoming sequel, “Happy Gilmore 2,” marking a significant 30-year gap since the original film’s release in 1996. In the original, Bowen’s character represented Happy Gilmore, portrayed by Adam Sandler, as he embarked on a journey in professional golf, serving not just as a guide but also as the romantic lead.
During an appearance on the “Inside of You” podcast, Bowen admitted her surprise at being invited to reprise her role, stating, “I didn’t think they’d bring me back at all.” Despite her initial reservations about being too old for the character, Sandler reassured her of Virginia’s importance, saying she is the “heart of the movie.” However, Bowen mentioned that her role may have less screen time compared to the first film.
Bowen shared her first casting experience for the original “Happy Gilmore,” revealing that casting directors were relieved to find someone who fit the character description, saying, “Some of these girls are just so aggressively sexy.” This retrospective gives insight into her unique portrayal of Virginia, one that’s characterized by authenticity over conventional beauty.
The sequel promises to be an ensemble featuring original cast member Christopher McDonald alongside new co-stars such as NFL star Travis Kelce, Bad Bunny, Kid Cudi, and Benny Safdie, who previously directed Sandler in “Uncut Gems.” “Happy Gilmore 2” is co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, who also collaborated on the original film.
The announcement of the sequel was made by McDonald in a radio interview, where he recounted Sandler’s excitement over a draft of the script, emphasizing the demand from fans for this continuation of the beloved story.
Sandler’s ongoing success with Netflix, evidenced by several hits like “Hustle” and “Leo,” suggests that “Happy Gilmore 2” is set to attract a significant audience. The film will be available for streaming on Netflix starting Friday, July 25.
As fans eagerly await this comedic reunion, it’s heartening to see beloved characters and stories finding new life, bridging generations of viewers and offering nostalgia wrapped in humor.