Warning: This article contains spoilers for Happy Gilmore 2.
One modern woman’s character has been laid to rest.
In Adam Sandler’sceleb-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” Kielwas 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
One Battle After Another – September 26, 2025
Writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood) assembles an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benecio del Toro and Regina Hall for this crime drama about a group of ex-revolutionaries who reunite to rescue one of their own’s daughter.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie – September 26, 2025
Based on the popular Netflix kids series, this movie adaptation follows Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) and her Grandma Gigi (Gloria Estefan) as they road trip to Cat Francisco and team up with the Gabby Cats to save Gabby’s dollhouse from the clutches of eccentric cat lady Vera (Kristen Wiig).
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Strangers – Chapter 2 – September 26, 2025
The chilling next chapter of The Strangers franchise, starring Madelaine Petsch (Riverdale) as the lone survivor of Chapter 1 who is again pursued by the trio of masked killers.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Anemone – October 3, 2025
Legendary actor Daniel Day-Lewis makes a rare appearance (his first since 2017’s Phantom Thread) in this family drama directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Lost Bus – October 3, 2025
Inspired by real events, The Lost Bus is a white-knuckle ride through one of America’s deadliest wildfires as a wayward school bus driver (Matthew McConaughey) and a dedicated school teacher (America Ferrera) battle to save 22 children from the terrifying inferno.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Apple TV+
The Smashing Machine – October 3, 2025
Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in this true story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Ozzy: No Escape From Now – October 7, 2025
Produced in collaboration with the Osbourne family, this documentary follows the rock icon’s last six years of life as he struggled with his health and fought to get back on stage one last time.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
Maintenance Required – October 8, 2025
Madelaine Petsch (Riverdale) stars in this You’ve Got Mail-style rom-com about the owner of an all-female mechanic shop who is forced to reevaluate her future when a flashy competitor moves in across the street.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You – October 10, 2025
Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids, Platonic) delivers an award-worthy performance as a stressed out mom attempting to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. Also starring A$AP Rocky and Conan O’Brien.
Where to Watch: In select theaters on Oct. 10, then playing nationwide on Oct. 24.
Roofman – October 10, 2025
Based on an unbelievable true story, Roofman follows a struggling father (Channing Tatum) who turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs. After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move. But when he falls for Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his double life begins to unravel.
Where to Watch: In theaters
After the Hunt – October 10, 2025
From Challengers director Luca Guadagnino, this psychological drama follows a college professor (Julia Roberts) who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a student (Ayo Edebiri) levels an accusation against one of her colleagues (Andrew Garfield), and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come into the light.
Where to Watch: In theaters in New York and Los Angeles on October 10, expanding on October 17
A House of Dynamite – October 10, 2025
Where to Watch: In select theaters on October 10, streaming on Netflix starting October 24.
The Woman in Cabin 10 – October 10, 2025
Based on Ruth Ware‘s bestselling novel, Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce and Hannah Waddingham star in this psychological thriller about a journalist searching for a missing woman aboard a luxury cruise ship.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Tron: Ares – October 10, 2025
The third installment in the Tron franchise, starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Jeff Bridges, Jodie Turner-Smith and Evan Peters.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Kiss of the Spider Woman – October 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna star in this new film adaptation of the 1976 novel and Tony Award-winning 1993 Broadway musical of the same name.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Vicious – October 10, 2025
Dakota Fanning headlines this twisted horror tale about a girl who receives a mysterious box from an unexpected late-night visitor and soon finds herself trapped in a terrifying world where reality bends and memory betrays.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
Black Phone 2 – October 17, 2025
Ethan Hawke returns to the most sinister role of his career as The Grabber seeks vengeance on Finn (Mason Thames) from beyond the grave by menacing Finn’s younger sister.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Good Fortune – October 17, 2025
A well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy venture capitalist (Seth Rogen).
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Twits – October 17, 2025
Loosely based on the 1980 children’s novel by Roald Dahl, this animated comedy follows two brave children who are forced to take on Mr. and Mrs. Twit, the meanest, smelliest, nastiest people in the world.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere – October 24, 2025
The Bear star Jeremy Allen White plays the Boss in this biopic which chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 Nebraska album when he was a young musician on the cusp of global superstardom.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Regretting You – October 24, 2025
Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace and Dave Franco star in this adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Anniversary – October 29, 2025
Featuring an all-star cast, this gripping thriller follows a close-knit family who are torn apart when the son brings home a new girlfriend with a dangerous agenda. Starring Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Dylan O’Brien, Phoebe Dynevor, Zoey Deutch, and McKenna Grace.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Ballad of a Small Player – October 29, 2025
Colin Farrell stars as a high-stakes gambler lying low in Macau, China, until his past and his debts start to catch up with him.
Where to Watch: In select theaters October 15 and streaming on Netflix October 29
Nouvelle Vague – October 31, 2025
Director Richard Linklater reimagines the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless, a film that shaped the French New Wave in 1960. Starring Zoey Deutch as iconic actress Jean Seberg.
Where to Watch: In select theaters on October 31, streaming on Netflix starting November 14.
Bugonia – October 31, 2025
Emma Stone re-teams with her Poor Things and The Favourite director Yorgos Lanthimos for this dark comedy about two conspiracy-obsessed men who kidnap the CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
Where to Watch: Limited engagement on October 24, then nationwide on October 31.
Christy – November 7, 2025
Sydney Sweeney delivers a knockout performance as she transforms into real life boxing hero Christy Martin in this much-anticipated biopic.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Frankenstein – November 7, 2025
Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth.
Where to Watch: In select theaters Oct. 17 and streaming on Netflix on Nov. 7.
Predator: Badlands – November 7, 2025
The newest entry in the Predator franchise is set in the future on a remote planet and follows a young Predator who is outcast from his clan, and must embark on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. Elle Fanning also stars.
Where to Watch: In theaters
I Wish You All the Best – November 7, 2025
A modern coming-of-age story that follows a teenager who comes out as nonbinary and is thrown out of their family’s home, before embarking upon a journey of self-discovery. From writer/director Tommy Dorfman, and starring Corey Fogelmanis, Lena Dunham, Alexandra Daddario, and Cole Sprouse.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Running Man – November 14, 2025
Glen Powell stars in this adaptation of Stephen King‘s 1982 novel (which also inspired the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie of the same name) about a deadly competition where contestants must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins.
Where to Watch: In theaters
