Julie Bowen and director Kyle Newacheck discuss the controversial decision to kill off Virginia Venit in Happy Gilmore 2, explaining why it was crucial for Happy's story arc.

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.

Meanwhile, Sandler and Bowen reacted to Bowen’s shocking “Happy Gilmore 2” death during an interview with Entertainment Weekly published shortly after the movie’s release. The “Modern Family” star suggested that her character needed to die to drive Happy and the events of the film.

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.

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”.

Adam Sandler's family joins him in 'Happy Gilmore 2' with daughters Sadie and Sunny taking on key roles in the heartwarming comedy sequel now on Netflix

Fans got pretty emotional this weekend, after Adam Sandler included a subtle homage to his former onscreen son

Happy Gilmore and Virginia Venit may have ended up together in the movies, but here’s who the actors are dating in real life