In May 2024, Netflix announced the sequel to the 1996 sports comedy “Happy Gilmore,” starring Adam Sandler — but Julie Bowen figured her role as Virginia Venit, Happy’s love interest, had long since been retired to the clubhouse.

Bowen was convinced she would be replaced with a younger actress for the sequel, which takes place 30 years after the original.

Julie Bowen was surprised when Netflix asked her to return for “Happy Gilmore 2.” During a recent interview on the “Inside of You” podcast, Bowen explained she was certain she’d be replaced as the love interest for Adam Sandler’s titular golfer by a younger actress for the highly anticipated “Happy Gilmore” sequel.