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.

Julie Bowen is shocked that she’s making her return as Virginia Venit in “Happy Gilmore 2.” “I didn’t think they’d bring me back at all,” the actress, 55, revealed to Michael Rosenbaum on Tuesday’s episode of his “Inside of You” podcast.

Mega-producer Sandler has a Netflix deal which has been extended twice. Sandler has produced films like “Leo,” “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah,” “Hustle,” and two “Murder Mystery” movies for the streamer. “Happy Gilmore 2” will start streaming on Netflix on Friday, July 25.