When Netflix dropped the official Happy Gilmore 2 trailer at the Tudum event, fans of the original were thrilled to see Julie Bowen reprise her role as Virginia Venit. But for Bowen herself, the casting news came as a complete surprise. In a recent interview, Bowen confessed that she hadn’t expected to return.
“I thought, ‘Well, I won’t be in it'”, she said.
She believed the sequel would take a different direction after nearly three decades. She even imagined Adam Sandler’s iconic character would have a new love interest. “He’s got some little bitty on the side, like a cart girl,” she joked.
Julie Bowen, Happy Gilmore 2 Trailer, and Sydney Sweeney Rumors
Adding to her belief that she’d been replaced, Bowen said her children had heard rumors online that Sydney Sweeney was joining the cast. Her now 18-year-old told her,
Mom, I hear they’re doing a sequel and he’s with Sydney Sweeney as a cart girl.
While the rumor wasn’t true, it fueled Bowen’s assumption that her time as Virginia Venit was over.
‘I went, I’m hurt, and I so respect that move’, Bowen quipped. ‘Of course, why wouldn’t you’?
Her humility and humor showed that while the idea stung a little, she understood Hollywood’s tendency to lean toward younger stars in franchise reboots. So when she got the call confirming she was part of the sequel, her reaction was one of pure disbelief.
I was like, ‘Are you sure? Come on,’ she said, still surprised to be part of the upcoming Netflix release.
Julie Bowen, Happy Gilmore 2 Trailer Teases Star-Studded Cast
Happy Gilmore 2, set to premiere on Netflix on July 25, 2025, brings in a fresh lineup of high-profile stars. Among the new faces are Bad Bunny, Margaret Qualley, Benny Safdie, Travis Kelce, Kym Whitley, and even Eminem. The sequel is shaping up to be a vibrant mix of comedy, celebrity cameos, and sports-themed drama.
Bowen, for one, is especially thrilled about working with Bad Bunny, revealing she’s been a longtime fan. But meeting the global music sensation on set came with its awkward moments.
‘I can’t actually look you in the eye, I’m going to have to walk away’, she admitted with a laugh, describing how starstruck she felt. ‘I think he was offended and I had to circle back, and now I made it worse’, she added, poking fun at her own reaction.
Bowen candidly admitted she’s someone who prefers not to meet her idols, fearing she’ll say something embarrassing.
‘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’, she joked.
Julie Bowen’s Return Adds Depth to the Sequel
Bringing Julie Bowen back to the franchise offers more than nostalgia; it gives the sequel emotional continuity. Her character, Virginia Venit, was central to Happy Gilmore’s original journey, grounding Sandler’s over-the-top antics with sincerity and support. Seeing her again promises a sense of closure and familiarity for longtime fans.
The new trailer suggests that Happy Gilmore 2 will balance throwback humor with modern flair, drawing in new audiences while rewarding those who loved the original. With a mix of pop culture icons and returning cast members, the movie is poised to become one of Netflix’s biggest comedy releases of the year.
Final Thoughts
From assuming she was being replaced by Sydney Sweeney to nervously avoiding Bad Bunny on set, Julie Bowen’s behind-the-scenes journey is as entertaining as the movie itself. Thanks to a twist of fate and a well-timed phone call, she’s once again part of Happy’s world.
The return of Virginia Venit, alongside a fresh cast and renewed comedic energy, sets the stage for an unforgettable sequel. Mark your calendars for July 25, 2025, when Happy Gilmore 2 hits Netflix.
