Happy Gilmore 2 brings back cinema’s favorite pro golfer as he faces a new set of challenges on and off the course.

"Happy Gilmore 2" director Kyle Newacheck defended the decision to kill off Virginia, telling /Film: "There's always a concern when you're playing with that type of darkness. But I don't know, I was never really concerned because it is the driving force [of the film]. If you pull that out, then what do you have? You don't have anything real."

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

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.

Yes, Julie Bowen's character dies early in ‘Happy Gilmore 2’. She is hit by a golf ball on Mother's Day, from a shot hit by Happy, and dies.

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 officially on Netflix — and it’s jam-packed with celebrity cameos.

Happy Gilmore fans outraged by Adam Sandler sequel’s violent shock twist: ‘I’m extremely disappointed’ - *SPOILERS* The director of the Adam Sandler comedy has defended the move, saying: ‘I knew that