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.

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