Happy Gilmore 2 Opens With Shocking Character Death

Happy Gilmore 2, released on Netflix nearly three decades after the original, features Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, and Christopher McDonald reprising their roles, alongside new cast members and celebrity cameos such as Bad Bunny and Rory McIlroy. The film opens with Virginia Venit, played by Bowen, being killed by a stray golf ball hit by Happy himself, a twist that sparked fan outrage but allows Bowen to reappear in cameo form. Happy is depicted as a retired golfer and single father of five, with Sandler's real-life daughter Sunny joining the cast. The sequel includes numerous callbacks to the original and explores the characters' evolution over 30 years. Early reviews are polarized, with some criticizing the focus on celebrity cameos, while others appreciate its nostalgic and reflective approach. Written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, the film balances humor with themes of loss, legacy, and the enduring popularity of its characters.