Warning: This article contains spoilers for Happy Gilmore 2.
One modern woman’s character has been laid to rest.
In Adam Sandler’s celeb-filled sequel to his 1996 classic golf comedy Happy Gilmore, one of the movie’s most beloved characters was killed off in a shocking—and immediate—twist to fans.
The movie, which dropped on Netflix July 25, opens by showing how the eponymous hockey player-turned-golfer’s life had changed since triumphing in the first film and saving his grandmother’s house. In voice over, Happy (Adam) shares how he and Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen) fell even more madly in love, got married and welcomed four sons and a daughter (played by Adam’s real-life daughter Sunny Sandler).
But as the unorthodox golf pro recapped his success, the movie shows Happy hitting an errant ball that strikes Virginia in the head, killing off Julie’s character. The death leaves Happy as a single dad of five, prompting his retirement from the game of golf.
Despite her character’s un-fore-tunate demise within the first four minutes, Julie does make a few appearances throughout the movie, including in Happy’s “happy place” where she cheekily encourages him to forgive himself for her death.
As for who else shared the screen with Adam, Julie and Christopher McDonald, who reprised his role as Shooter McGavin? The cast is on par with the guest list of the Grammys and the Super Bowl.
Modern-day stars like Travis Kelce, Bad Bunny and Post Malone appeared alongside comedic turns from golf legends like John Daly, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.
And while there were many fresh faces in Happy Gilmore 2, the sequel also made sure to honor the late Carl Weathers, who played Happy’s mentor Chubbs in the original movie but died in 2024 from heart disease.
“The saddest thing is Carl Weathers was in the draft,” Adam told E! News in an exclusive interview. “We wrote an entire story for Carl and Carl's son, and then Carl passed away.”
He added, “So, we show the love to Carl in the movie.”
Indeed, the Rocky actor was included by way of Happy reading Chubbs’ book of golf tips, as well as him reminiscing on the advice the coach gave him in the first movie, which helped the golfer get his swing back.
The late Bob Barker—who had a fist fight with Happy in the original movie—was also featured in the form of a video game character that reenacted the pair’s brawl. Plus, the late Richard “Gentle Giant” Kiel was honored with his character’s son appearing as a spectator and sharing his dad’s love for Happy.
As Adam told E!, “Everybody from the first one we try to give love to.”
While Happy Gilmore 2 is out now on Netflix, read on to see what other movies are releasing soon.
—Reporting by Emily Curl
Eternity - November 26, 2025
In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Zootopia 2 - November 26, 2025
This sequel to the Oscar-winning 2016 animated hit promises a return to Animal Metropolis with familiar faces Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) along with some new characters like Gary D'Snake (Ke Huy Quan) and quokka therapist Dr Fuzzyby (Quinta Brunson).
Where to Watch: In theaters
Hamnet - November 27, 2025
Based on the award-winning 2020 novel by Maggie O'Farrell and directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, Hamnet tells the story of how William Shakespeare endured family tragedy to create his masterpiece, Hamlet. Starring Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, and Joe Alwyn.
Where to Watch: In select theaters on Nov. 27, expanding nationwide on Dec. 12.
Oh. What. Fun. - December 3, 2025
This fresh twist on the classic holiday-comedy features a star-studded cast as one big dysfunctional family, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Jason Schwartzman, and Eva Longoria.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video
Merrily We Roll Along - December 5, 2025
Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez star in the live stage filming of the Tony-winning Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's musical.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Jay Kelly - December 5, 2025
George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Billy Crudup and Laura Dern star in this "heartbreaking comedy" from writer-director Noah Baumbach.
Where to Watch: In theaters Nov. 14 and streaming on Netflix Dec. 5.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 - December 9, 2025
The 2023 horror hit gets the sequel treatment, with returning stars Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail and Matthew Lilllard joined by new characters played by Mckenna Grace and Skeet Ulrich.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Merv - December 10, 2025
When their beloved dog Merv loses his spark after their split, Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox) are forced into the world’s most awkward co-parenting arrangement.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery - December 12, 2025
Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc for his most dangerous case yet, alongside a stellar supporting cast including Glenn Close, Josh O'Connor, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis and Kerry Washington.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Ella McCay - December 12, 2025
An all-star cast (Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri) leads this comedy about an idealistic young woman juggling her family and work life.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Avatar: Fire and Ash - December 19, 2025
Director James Cameron delivers the third film in his blockbuster Avatar franchise, promising a darker storyline as Jake and Neytiri's family clash with the Mangkwan Clan, also known as the Ash People. Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Kate Winslet,Oona Chaplin, and Michelle Yeoh.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Housemaid - December 19, 2025
Based on the best-selling novel by Freida McFadden, this thriller follows a young woman (Sydney Sweeney) who accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple (Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar) and soon finds herself trapped in a seductive game of secrets and scandal.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Is This Thing On? - December 19, 2025
Directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern, this comedy-drama follows a middle-aged comedian navigating an impending divorce.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants - December 19, 2025
SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail on a seafaring comedy-adventure, complete with ghost pirates.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Goodbye June - December 24, 2025
It’s nearly Christmas when an unexpected turn in their mother’s health thrusts four adult siblings, and their exasperating father, into chaos as they navigate messy family dynamics in the face of potential loss. Kate Winslet makes her directorial debut and stars alongside Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, Andrea Riseborough, Johnny Flynn, and Timothy Spall.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Marty Supreme - December 25, 2025
Timothée Chalamet takes the lead in this 1950s-set sports drama about a young man with a dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player. Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Odessa A'zion.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Song Sung Blue - December 25, 2025
Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it's never too late to find love and follow your dreams.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Anaconda - December 25, 2025
Jack Black and Paul Rudd star in this comedy adventure about two friends who travel to the Amazon to film a remake of their all-time favorite snake movie, and find themselves facing off against an actual giant anaconda.
Where to Watch: In theaters
People We Meet on Vacation - January 9, 2026
Tom Blyth and Emily Bader star in the movie adaptation of Emily Henry's bestselling romance novel.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Primate - January 9, 2026
A group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of
horror and survival.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Rip - January 16, 2026
BFFs Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite for this action thriller about a team of Miami cops who discover millions in cash in a derelict stash house and along with it some serious trust issues. Also starring Teyana Taylor and Steven Yeun.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple - January 16, 2026
Ralph Fiennes stars in this spin-off of the post-apocalyptic franchise, in which the inhumanity of the survivors becomes even more terrifying than the infected.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Send Help - January 30, 2026
Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien star in this dark comedy about two office colleagues who find themselves stranded on a deserted island after they are the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive.
Where to Watch: In theaters
GOAT - February 13, 2026
From the studio behind Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse comes this animated comedy set in an all-animal world that follows Will, a small goat who gets the chance to play roarball - a dangerous, full-contact game dominated by the fiercest foes. Featuring Stephen Curry, Gabrielle Union, and Caleb McLaughlin.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Wuthering Heights - February 14, 2026
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi step into the iconic roles of Catherine and Heathcliff in Saltburn director Emerald Fennell's new adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Scream 7 - February 27, 2026
Neve Campbell returns to the Scream franchise as iconic final girl Sidney Prescott, this time to protect her own family from a new Ghostface killer. Also starring Courteney Cox, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, and plenty of surprise cameos.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Cat in the Hat - February 27, 2026
Based on the beloved Dr. Seuss book, this animated adaptation will feature the voices of Bill Hader, Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang, and America Ferrera.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Bride! - March 6, 2026
In writer/director Maggie Gyllenhaal's new take on the classic 1935 Bride of Frankenstein film, a lonely Frankenstein (Christian Bale) travels to 1930s Chicago to ask a groundbreaking scientist to create a companion (Jessie Buckley) for him. Also starring Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penelope Cruz.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Hoppers - March 6, 2026
Pixar’s all-new feature film introduces Mabel, an animal lover who uses new technology to “hop” human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals!
Where to Watch: In theaters
Project Hail Mary - March 20, 2026
Based on Andy Weir's (The Martian) best-selling novel, this sci-fi adventure stars Ryan Gosling as a science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship light years from home and, as his memory returns, begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out.
Where to Watch: In theaters