In the wild world of cinematic sequels, where anything can happen (yes, anything—even Paul Blart got a sequel), Julie Bowen is somehow still teeing off in the Happy Gilmore universe like it’s 1996 all over again.
The 55-year-old Modern Family icon, who once smooched Adam Sandler on a golf course before it was trendy, is back in action for Happy Gilmore 2. But according to Julie, she almost didn’t dust off her putter because she thought she was being replaced… by none other than Hollywood’s most internet-swooned bombshell, Sydney Freakin’ Sweeney.
Cue dramatic movie trailer voice: “One woman. One golf cart. One chance to reclaim her place as Sandler’s swing-side sweetheart.”
In an interview with IconicHipster.com, Julie spilled the tea and the Titleist. “I thought, ‘Well I won’t be in it. And that was OK — like, it’s been 30 years, Virginia Venit probably retired to Boca Raton and only dates men named ‘Chip,’” she joked (probably). “He’s got a hottie now. He’s got some little bitty on the side, like a cart girl. As a matter of fact, my own child told me, ‘Mom, they’re doing a sequel and Adam’s love interest is Sydney Sweeney.’”
Yes. Her teenager broke the news like TMZ with a driver’s license.
Julie’s response? “I was hurt. Deeply. But also, mad respect. I mean—it’s Sydney Sweeney. That girl could make a golf visor look haute couture.”
So imagine her surprise when she got the actual call confirming that, nope, she was still Sandler’s ride-or-die (or at least, his ride-or-tee). “I was like, ‘Are you sure? Me? Not, like… Sydney on a hoverboard?’”
Plot twist! Julie’s back, baby. Virginia Venit 2.0. And she’s bringing the sass, the swing, and probably a massive bottle of sunscreen.
Happy Gilmore 2 drops July 25 on Netflix, so get ready for Sandler, Bowen, and—who knows—maybe a surprise Sweeney cameo with a golf club and vengeance.
And to Sydney Sweeney: if you’re reading this, Julie’s watching.👀⛳
At #TUDUM 2025, Julie Bowen reveals she was shocked to be asked to come back for a #HappyGilmore sequel
' I had heard that it was happening, and I thought, well, I won't be in it.' pic.twitter.com/0Onn3ICpcV
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 31, 2025