Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman Return in Practical Magic 2 After 28 Years
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return for Practical Magic 2, 28 years after the original cult classic. The sequel explores family curses, magic, and enduring sisterhood.
September is traditionally seen in the American entertainment industry as a month of returning to routine: the traditional broadcasting season kicks off with a wealth of new television content, and lighter films arrive in theaters following the summer blockbusters. However, in recent years, Hollywood has re-embraced the onset of fall as the "spooky season," turning it into a commercial powerhouse. Horror series and films, witchcraft, and the supernatural take over screens ahead of late October's Halloween, with the eerie atmosphere serving as a powerful marketing engine. At this exact timing, two iconic cinematic witches once portrayed by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are returning in the sequel Practical Magic 2.
Twenty-eight years have passed since the original film, in which the two Oscar winners played the Owens sisters, witches from Massachusetts forced to battle a curse hanging over their family. The film, an adaptation of the novel by author Alice Hoffman, was the first project that brought the two together in the early years following their breakout. Yet unlike the calculations that often seal the fate of remakes and sequels, 1998's Practical Magic was a box office disappointment: it barely covered its production costs and ultimately lost money after factoring in marketing and promotional expenses, receiving lukewarm reviews.
From Cult Classic to Anticipated Sequel
In a somewhat magical twist, the years that followed turned the film into a beloved cult classic. Repeated television broadcasts during the US spooky season exposed it to a younger generation that embraced it and connected to the empowering bond between the two sisters. Thus, step by step, Practical Magic transformed into a cult favorite—paving the way for the new film.
Practical Magic 2 takes place 25 years after the events of the previous film. Sally Owens (Bullock) must now deal, alongside her two adult daughters, with the consequences of the family curse and their own magical abilities. Her eldest daughter Kylie (Joey King) is deeply in love, but quickly discovers the danger she has stumbled into because of her romantic connection. Her younger sister Antonia (Maisie Williams) is advancing in her medical studies while supporting her family. The complications Kylie is unexpectedly drawn into send her on a journey to England, with her mother and aunt Gillian (Kidman) following in an attempt to break the curse once and for all.
How many times in life do you get to go back, not to recreate, but to revive a moment that brought you so much joy in life?, Bullock said when taking the stage alongside Kidman at CinemaCon 2026 in Las Vegas this past April, where the first sneak peek of the new film was revealed.
Behind the Scenes and Casting Choices
Right after the presentation in Vegas, Bullock officially launched an Instagram account. Her first post was a teaser from the film featuring a scene where she makes midnight margaritasa staple routine of the Owens sisters. Beyond the fans, Kidman noted the unique chemistry that immediately clicked back into place despite the long years that had passed.
Not all original cast members are returning, however. Actresses who played Sally’s daughters as children, including Evan Rachel Wood, will not be back. Wood expressed her disappointment on social media about not being invited back for the second round, explaining that she had volunteered her services even for a single line, but was told the roles were recast due to the characters being recent college graduates.
As the film prepares for release, director Susanne Bier clarified that the choice was entirely technical and non-personal. The characters in the plot are fresh college graduates, necessitating a complete recast to match the timeline accurately.
A New Chapter in Life and Cinema
Much has changed in the stars' lives since the first film. Bullock and Kidman have both navigated decades of acclaimed performances, major awards, and deep personal milestones, including motherhood. Bullock stepped back from intensive filming for years to focus on raising her adopted children, Louis and Lila, while Kidman continued her prolific streak across film and prestige television.
The family element is magic in itself in the new film. This connection between the two sisters initially seems unusual, but it holds something profoundly special that you have to see to understand, Kidman added.
Ultimately, Practical Magic 2 aims to bring back the heartwarming chemistry of the original while grounding its supernatural elements in the very real, practical magic of family bonds, resilience, and unconditional love.
