Summary
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Happy Gilmore 2, released July 25 on Netflix, opens with Virginia’s sudden death.
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Virginia Venit, played by Julie Bowen, dies after being struck by Happy’s golf shot.
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Fans and critics have reacted strongly to this plot twist, calling it a narrative shortcut.
Happy Gilmore 2 arrives on Netflix nearly three decades after the original, but its shocking start has already stirred controversy. The film opens with the death of Virginia Venit, Happy’s wife and original love interest, leaving fans divided. Her sudden departure from the story raises questions about the creative choices behind the sequel’s plot direction.
Why Does Happy Gilmore 2 Kill Off Virginia So Early?
In the opening minutes of Happy Gilmore 2, Happy delivers a somber voiceover recounting his life since the events of the 1996 classic. He married Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen), had five children, and settled into domestic life. That is, until a golfing accident changes everything. One of Happy’s signature powerful shots tragically strikes Virginia in the head, killing her instantly.
The decision to eliminate Virginia’s character within the first few scenes feels abrupt, especially given her emotional significance in the original film. Fans quickly voiced their disappointment on social media, questioning the move as a creative misstep. For many, this twist seemed more like a way to catalyze Happy’s new arc as a single father than a fully thought-out narrative development.
Julie Bowen addressed her limited presence in interviews before the release, suggesting she expected to be replaced by a younger actress. However, Adam Sandler assured her of her importance, referring to her as “the heart of the movie.” Despite her early death, Bowen’s Virginia appears later in the film’s dream-like “happy place” sequences.
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How Does Virginia’s Death Affect the Tone of Happy Gilmore 2?
Virginia’s passing casts a somber shadow over the otherwise comedic tone Happy Gilmore is known for. The emotional weight of her death immediately shifts the narrative into new territory. Rather than focusing solely on sports-related humor, the sequel delves into themes of loss, responsibility, and memory.
Her return in Happy’s “happy place” provides moments of levity and closure, echoing the fantasy sequences in the original film. These scenes include appearances by other deceased characters, such as Chubbs Peterson (Carl Weathers), maintaining a link to the nostalgic tone of the first movie.
The sequel pays tribute to several late cast members. Carl Weathers, who passed in February 2024, is honored through the introduction of Chubbs’ son. Bob Barker, who famously fought Happy in the first film and died in 2023, appears in a video game form. Richard Kiel, who died in 2014, is honored through his character’s son. Even Frances Bay, who played Happy’s grandmother, is remembered via a photo on Happy’s car dashboard.
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What Other Legacy Characters and Tributes Appear in the Sequel?
Happy Gilmore 2 includes several tributes and returning characters that reflect on the original film’s impact. Aside from Virginia and Chubbs, other familiar faces and references help ground the sequel in franchise history.
The film reintroduces Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), Happy’s original rival, as a key figure in the plot. New cameo appearances add star power and humor, featuring PGA champions Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, WNBA star Kelsey Plum, NFL’s Travis Kelce, and musicians Post Malone and Bad Bunny.
Happy Gilmore 2 premiered on Netflix on July 25, 2025. It is currently streaming exclusively on the platform.
Source: Today
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