The Emmy winner spoke with PEOPLE exclusively about reprising her role as Virginia Venit in the 'Happy Gilmore' sequel, nearly 30 years after the original

Richard Kiel, an iconic Bond villain who portrayed a giant Happy Gilmore fan who intimidates rival Shooter McGavin in the first film, is honored by having his character's son appear in the sequel. Kiel died at 74 in 2014.

The opening minutes of the long-awaited Happy Gilmore sequel reveal a legacy character has been shockingly killed off.

Viewers might be pretty shocked when, four minutes into Happy Gilmore 2, Julie Bowen's Virginia Venit is killed after being hit in the head by one of Happy's, played by Adam Sandler, golf balls. "When I found out that I was killed on page 12,

Critics gave the movie lukewarm reviews, criticising its heavy reliance on cameos and lack of originality. Nick Schager at The Daily Beast gave the sequel a ‘Skip This’ rating, describing it as “arguably the least inspired film in the actor’s canon, if not all of movie history”.

Director Kyle Newacheck has shared his initial reaction to the surprising plot development at the start of Happy Gilmore 2, which premiered on Netflix on July 25. Speaking to PEOPLE, Newacheck revealed he was unaware of the major storyline involving Julie Bowen’s character, Virginia Venit, until reading the completed screenplay.

Leave it to Adam Sandler to pull off a major twist no one saw coming. Nearly 20 years after the release of Happy Gilmore, Sandler and many familiar faces returned for Happy Gilmore 2, which premiered July 25 on Netflix.

Happy Gilmore 2 is officially on Netflix — and it’s jam-packed with celebrity cameos. The much-anticipated sequel, which was released July 25, follows hot-tempered golfer Happy Gilmore’s (portrayed by Adam Sandler) return to the sport.

Yes, Julie Bowen's character dies early in ‘Happy Gilmore 2’. She is hit by a golf ball on Mother's Day, from a shot hit by Happy, and dies.

Anticipation for the long-awaited comedy is high, and the original Happy Gilmore has been trending on Netflix ahead of its release. Julie Bowen returning as Virginia proved to fans that the spirit of the first movie would continue, and I can tell you there are countless references and easter eggs to the first one.

Happy Gilmore is back for Happy Gilmore 2, but this isn’t just another goofy golf match. Nearly 30 years after he first swung a club and punched out Bob Barker, Adam Sandler’s legendary underdog returns in Happy Gilmore 2, and this time, it hits a whole lot harder.

As far as legacy comedy sequels go, Happy Gilmore 2 impressively has the comedic stuff to be worthy of its predecessor.