Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reunite to reprise their beloved roles as cursed witch sisters Sally and Gillian Owens in “Practical Magic 2”, nearly three decades after the original film first introduced audiences to the magical Owens family.
Released in 1998 to a lukewarm reception, “Practical Magic” gradually developed a devoted cult following, with its themes of sisterhood, love, family and female friendship resonating with audiences long after its theatrical run. The long-awaited sequel now brings the Owens women back together for another supernatural adventure spanning generations.
Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest return as the eccentric aunts Frances and Jet, while Joey King and Maisie Williams join the family as Sally’s daughters, Kylie and Antonia.
Bullock and Kidman also serve as producers on the sequel, which marks Bullock’s return to acting after a four-year break. For Kidman, the reunion represents more than simply revisiting familiar characters, but also an opportunity to celebrate the lasting appeal of the original and the women at its centre.
“It’s kind of extraordinary that we get to bring it back. If you told us 28 years ago that as women, we would still be able to star in a huge studio movie and carry it, we wouldn’t have believed it,” Kidman said at the film’s European premiere in London on Wednesday.
“We’re hoping we pass the baton to our beautiful baby witches and at the same time, it’s so lovely still being given the spotlight.” Set some 25 years after the events of the original, “Practical Magic 2” follows the Owens women as they join forces to break a spell that has left them loveless. The story once again places the family’s bond at the heart of its supernatural challenges, while introducing a new generation of witches to the story.
For Channing and Wiest, returning to their roles felt remarkably natural, with the reunion made possible largely by the enduring enthusiasm of fans.
“They asked for this to be done. This is all based on popular demand,” Channing said.
Wiest said the film would not have happened without the support of audiences, adding that its return reflects “women supporting other women, women coming together as sisters”.
The sequel draws inspiration from Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel “The Book of Magic” and also stars Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod. It is directed by award-winning Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier.
Bullock said the sequel preserves the “flavour” of the original, particularly the humour, emotional depth and dynamic between the two sisters.
“It had something that has to continue for each generation,” she said, adding that the film embraces both dark and tragic moments alongside “a lot of unabashed loving”.
“Practical Magic 2” begins its global theatrical rollout on September 9-Reuters
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