Happy Gilmore 2 Kills Off This Fan Favorite Character
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Happy Gilmore 2.
One modern woman’s character has been laid to rest.
In Adam Sandler’s celeb-filled sequel to his 1996 classic golf comedy Happy Gilmore, one of the movie’s most beloved characters was killed off in a shocking—and immediate—twist to fans.
The movie, which dropped on Netflix July 25, opens by showing how the eponymous hockey player-turned-golfer’s life had changed since triumphing in the first film and saving his grandmother’s house. In voice over, Happy (Adam) shares how he and Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen) fell even more madly in love, got married and welcomed four sons and a daughter (played by Adam’s real-life daughter Sunny Sandler).
But as the unorthodox golf pro recapped his success, the movie shows Happy hitting an errant ball that strikes Virginia in the head, killing off Julie’s character. The death leaves Happy as a single dad of five, prompting his retirement from the game of golf.
Despite her character’s un-fore-tunate demise within the first four minutes, Julie does make a few appearances throughout the movie, including in Happy’s “happy place” where she cheekily encourages him to forgive himself for her death.
As for who else shared the screen with Adam, Julie and Christopher McDonald, who reprised his role as Shooter McGavin? The cast is on par with the guest list of the Grammys and the Super Bowl.
Modern-day stars like Travis Kelce, Bad Bunny and Post Malone appeared alongside comedic turns from golf legends like John Daly, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.
And while there were many fresh faces in Happy Gilmore 2, the sequel also made sure to honor the late Carl Weathers, who played Happy’s mentor Chubbs in the original movie but died in 2024 from heart disease.
“The saddest thing is Carl Weathers was in the draft,” Adam told E! News in an exclusive interview. “We wrote an entire story for Carl and Carl's son, and then Carl passed away.”
He added, “So, we show the love to Carl in the movie.”
Indeed, the Rocky actor was included by way of Happy reading Chubbs’ book of golf tips, as well as him reminiscing on the advice the coach gave him in the first movie, which helped the golfer get his swing back.
The late Bob Barker—who had a fist fight with Happy in the original movie—was also featured in the form of a video game character that reenacted the pair’s brawl. Plus, the late Richard “Gentle Giant” Kiel was honored with his character’s son appearing as a spectator and sharing his dad’s love for Happy.
As Adam told E!, “Everybody from the first one we try to give love to.”
While Happy Gilmore 2 is out now on Netflix, read on to see what other movies are releasing soon.
—Reporting by Emily Curl
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