How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Trumped ‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’

Men are often allowed to age in Hollywood. Women? Not so fast.

In many cases, there are numerous instances where the rule doesn’t apply. Women such as Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep come to mind, seasoned actresses who continue to work well into their later years.

Despite this, actresses frequently encounter expectations to maintain an ageless appearance as their male counterparts grow older with comparatively less stress concerning aging signs.

One stark example went unnoticed by most people five years ago.

In August of 2020, during the peak of the pandemic, the movie “Bill & Ted Face the Music” premiered in cinemas and online platforms. This sequel brought back the original co-stars Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter for another round of humorous adventures.

In this movie, we see the partners of the main characters attending a counseling session. These characters made their initial appearance in the 1989 film titled “Bill & Ted’s Outstanding Journey.

Diane Franklin: Princess Joanna
Kimberley LaBelle: Princess Elizabeth

For “Face the Music,” the sequel’s producers cast younger stars in those roles.

Erinn Hayes: Princess Elizabeth
Jayma Mays: Princess Joanna

Most sequels clamor to bring back original cast members whenever possible. Not this time.

Hmmmm.

A notable instance occurred with “Top Gun” actress, Kelly McGillis, who wasn’t included in the hit sequel. She speculated before the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick” that her age might have been a factor in this decision.

Back in 2019, Entertainment Tonight inquired if the creators of Top Gun: Maverick had sought my presence in the movie. “Goodness gracious no,” I responded, almost chuckling at the notion. ” frankly, I’m not exactly the right fit. I’m mature and a bit more voluminous, and that’s not the image they’re projecting for their story.

This leads us right to the upcoming Netflix movie titled “Happy Gilmore 2”. Releasing on their platform on July 25th, this new installment includes quite a few actors who starred in the original film from 1996.

The lead character is played by Adam Sandler, as expected, while Christopher McDonald (previously Shooter McGavin) and Ben Stiller (formerly Hal) are also set to return. Regrettably, original cast members Joe Flaherty and Carl Weathers have sadly passed away in recent times.

When Julie Bowen, who was the love interest in the original “Happy Gilmore”, learned of a sequel, she thought she might be given a similar cameo appearance like the one she saw in the movies “Bill & Ted”.

Initially, I figured I wouldn’t participate, and I was fine with that. It reminded me of Virginia Venit, it’s been three decades since then. Apparently, he has moved on, found someone new, perhaps a young lady working at a restaurant.

The family of Bowen shared with her a piece of gossip suggesting that Sydney Sweeney could potentially be cast as Happy’s romantic interest in the upcoming sequel.

Not even close.

Sandler, known for teaming up with old friends and work partners, joins forces once more with Bowen for the eagerly awaited follow-up film.

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2025-06-02 00:03