Nearly three decades after its initial theatrical run, Practical Magic is officially getting a follow-up. Stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are reprising their iconic roles as Sally and Gillian Owens in Practical Magic 2, heading to theaters on September 10.
The road to this legacy sequel has been a long time coming. While the 1998 original has since cemented itself as a beloved pop-culture staple, its journey to cult status was far from smooth.
What Happened to the Original?
When Practical Magic debuted in 1998, it faced a rough critical and commercial reception. Looking back at the press tour, Bullock recently admitted that the media rollout was notoriously brutal.
The film was heavily criticized for being "too witchy," featuring too many female leads, and blending too many contrasting tones. For years, Bullock carried lingering shame from the negative press.
It wasn't until social media clips introduced the romantic comedy to a fresh audience that the film finally found its footing. Bullock noted that the cultural perspective on the word "witch" has shifted significantly, allowing modern audiences to reclaim and celebrate the term.
Inside the Making of the Sequel
Based on Alice Hoffman’s 2021 follow-up novel, The Book of Magic, the sequel bridges the gap between generations. To prep for her return, Bullock actually sat down to watch the original film with her children and their friends to gauge how modern youth view the story.
As producers, Bullock and Kidman faced tight budgetary constraints. Without the financial cushion of a massive superhero franchise, the team had to meticulously manage expenses—including rebuilding the iconic Owens house as a full structure on a London back lot.
Passing the Torch
The new installment introduces a younger generation of magical family members. Rising stars Joey King and Maisie Williams join the cast as Kylie and Antonia Owens, the daughters of Sally.
Both younger actors expressed excitement about taking over the magical mantle. Producer Denise Di Novi even hinted that the franchise could expand further, potentially paving the way for a third film focused on the younger Owens witches while Bullock and Kidman step into classic elder-aunt roles.
