Sandra Bullock Reflects on Original 'Practical Magic' Reception Ahead of Sequel

Sandra Bullock said the 1998 film Practical Magic was expected to be a hit, but it quickly fell silent at the box office and with critics. She recalled that studio executives questioned the number of women in the cast and the film’s tone. Bullock credited director Griffin Dunne with creating the project, noting that he “let us shine” and that the film exists because of his vision.

Nicole Kidman added that the decision to produce Practical Magic 2 came about serendipitously, describing it as a matter of timing and patience rather than forced planning. The sequel, based on Alice Hoffman’s novel The Book of Magic, will be directed by Susanne Bier and reunite original cast members including Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, alongside newcomers such as Joey King, Maisie Williams, Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod.

King, who previously worked with Kidman on the 2024 rom-com Family Affair, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with the veteran actress, saying she feels “lucky to be able to go to her.”