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.

This story discusses major plot developments in “Happy Gilmore 2,” currently streaming on Netflix. “Happy Gilmore” fans got quite the shock when Adam Sandler’s long-awaited sequel finally hit Netflix over the weekend.

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.

Bowen reprises her character, Virginia Venit, in the comedy classic's second installment. Within the first four minutes of the film, Venit — who's since married Happy, welcomed five kids together and started a family — gets killed off, a tragedy caused by her husband.

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

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.

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

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