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

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

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 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.

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 2' is a fun trip down memory lane fueled by golf. Here are some of the best moments involving athletes from the sequel.

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