Cinema VinesLos Angeles – Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are back in the spotlight as they reprise their roles as the Owens sisters in the newly released sequel, Practical Magic 2, which hit theaters on September 10. The pair, both Oscar winners, are returning to the witchy sisters Sally and Gillian after 28 years since the original film’s 1998 debut.
The first film, based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel, received mixed reviews and modest box‑office returns. Over time it gained a cult following, especially among younger audiences discovering it through social media clips. The sequel draws from Hoffman’s 2021 book, The Book of Magic, which expands the Owens family saga and inspired the new storyline.
In interviews, Bullock reflected on the original’s rough launch, describing the press junket as “brutal” and the film’s reception as “too much, too witchy, too many women, too many tones.” She noted that the movie had to “marinate” before finding its audience, and that a reappraisal about six years ago helped her move past the shame she felt.
Both actresses highlighted a broader cultural shift in how the word “witch” is perceived. Bullock said the negative connotation of the term has been reclaimed, with people proudly identifying as witches. Kidman shared how fans began asking her about her favorite film, “Practical Magic,” which made the project personally meaningful for her.
When preparing for the sequel, Bullock involved her children and their friends to watch the original, seeking fresh perspectives and a better understanding of the film’s legacy. The production also faced practical challenges, such as recreating the iconic Owens house on a limited budget.
