Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return for Practical Magic sequel after cult resurgence
The 1998 film Practical Magic, once met with mixed reviews, has become a cult favorite, prompting its stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman to reprise their roles in a sequel releasing on Sept. 10.
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are set to reprise their roles as Sally and Gillian Owens in Practical Magic 2, which opens in theaters on Sept. 10. The original 1998 film received mixed reviews and modest box-office returns, but it later gained a dedicated following through social-media exposure, leading to a re-evaluation of its cultural impact.
Bullock recalled the difficult press tour for the first film, saying the media criticized it as “too witchy” and “too many women.” She noted that the movie eventually found its audience and that the perception of witches has shifted, with the term now embraced by many. Kidman said she was surprised to learn that the film had become a favorite among fans, describing the renewed interest as “personal.”
To prepare for the sequel, Bullock watched the original with her children and their friends to gain fresh perspectives. Production challenges included rebuilding the iconic Owens house on a London backlot and managing a modest budget, which Bullock said required careful financial planning. Kidman added that budget constraints added stress they preferred to avoid.
The sequel focuses on a younger generation of Owens women, with Joey King and Maisie Williams playing the daughters of Sally. King called the experience “a passing of the baton,” while Williams said the story offers “so much more” to explore from Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel The Book of Magic, which inspired the sequel.
Producer Denise Di Novi expressed interest in a third installment, noting that the new characters could continue the family’s magical legacy.