Julie Bowen Shares Exciting Update on Adam Sandler’s ‘Happy Gilmore 2’
It’s been over 25 years since Julie Bowen made her film debut, and now she’s back to reprise her role in one of the most eagerly awaited sequels, ‘Happy Gilmore 2’. Bowen originally played Virginia Venit in the 1996 comedy classic starring Adam Sandler. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that a sequel was in development, and Bowen was one of the first actors announced to return. In a recent interview with Collider’s Christina Radish, Bowen shared her surprise at the sequel even happening. When asked if she ever thought ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ would be made, Bowen replied:
“I didn’t expect it at all. I’m actually shooting it right now. I came to this interview straight from the set, so you’re welcome! I didn’t realise how excited everyone was about it. We’re filming on golf courses with hundreds of extras, and the energy is amazing. I thought, ‘Wow, I didn’t know people were waiting for this,’ but I’m starting to see it now.”
Image Courtesy: People
Filming for ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ began just a few weeks ago, and production seems to be moving along smoothly. A challenge with legacy sequels is reuniting the original cast, but the film has succeeded in bringing back key players, including Sandler and Bowen as Happy and Virginia. Christopher McDonald is also returning as Happy’s nemesis, Shooter McGavin. Bowen discussed what it’s been like to reunite with Sandler and McDonald and revisit her first movie:
“It’s surreal. There are flashbacks, so I’m wearing the same hair and clothes from the 90s, which isn’t my favourite look. They’re also de-ageing me, which I’ve never experienced before, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Seeing Adam [Sandler], Chris [McDonald], and even some of the crew, like our production designer Perry [Andelin Blake] who’s been with Adam since the first movie, has been really special. Adam is such a loyal person to work with and keeps people with him from the start.”
Image Courtesy: People
Sandler is known for working with his close circle of friends in many of his films, including familiar faces like Kevin James and Chris Rock. ‘Happy Gilmore’ remains one of Sandler’s most iconic movies, alongside other ’90s hits like ‘The Waterboy’, ‘The Wedding Singer’, and ‘Big Daddy’. While it’s unclear if more sequels or remakes of Sandler’s classics are on the horizon, the success of ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ could potentially lead to more.
When asked if she rewatched ‘Happy Gilmore’ to get back into character as Virginia Venit, Bowen admitted she hadn’t:
“I haven’t spent much time on golf courses since the original movie, and definitely not with hundreds of extras watching a putt. But as soon as I got on set, it all came back to me. I didn’t need to rewatch it. I’m not great at watching myself on screen, so it wouldn’t have helped.”
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Despite nearly 30 years passing since Bowen last stepped onto a golf course for ‘Happy Gilmore’, her muscle memory quickly brought her back into character. Alongside returning stars, ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ will also feature new additions like Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, and Benny Safdie. It will be interesting to see how the cast comes together in this highly anticipated sequel.
‘Happy Gilmore 2’ is currently in production, with no official release date announced yet.
–Farheen Ali
