Practical Magic 2 brings Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman back as witch sisters

Nearly three decades after its release, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are returning as witch sisters Sally and Gillian Owens in Practical Magic 2, giving the actors a chance to revisit a film that went from a modest theatrical run to cult-classic status. The sequel is set to hit theatres on September 10.

Released in 1998, Practical Magic received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office. However, the film found a much larger audience years later, particularly among younger viewers who discovered it through social media and streaming. Bullock said she initially carried “shame” over the film’s reception but now believes it was simply ahead of its time.

Both films are based on Alice Hoffman’s Owens family stories. The original drew from her 1995 novel Practical Magic, while the sequel takes inspiration from her 2021 book The Book of Magic.

Bullock recalled the difficult press tour surrounding the original, saying the film was criticised for being “too witchy” and featuring “too many women”. She now views its resurgence as evidence that audiences eventually embraced what made the film different.

Kidman said the revival became apparent when fans began approaching her and naming Practical Magic as their favourite film of hers. Before returning for the sequel, Bullock also watched the original with her children and their friends to understand how a younger generation perceived the story.

The sequel also brings a new generation of Owens women into the story. Joey King and Maisie Williams play Kylie and Antonia Owens, Sally’s daughters, with the younger characters expected to carry the magical family saga forward.

Bullock and Kidman also served as producers on the sequel and were involved in rebuilding the iconic Owens house on a London backlot. Unlike the temporary exterior used for the 1998 film, the production constructed the house as a full structure while working within a controlled budget.

Producer Denise Di Novi said there is already interest in continuing the story with a potential third film focused on Kylie and Antonia. Williams also said there is considerable material from The Book of Magic that could still be explored.

with inputs from PTI