Nearly three decades after Practical Magic first introduced Sally and Gillian Owens, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are back in Practical Magic 2. The sequel reunites the iconic sisters while introducing a younger generation of Owens women, expanding the story into a bigger family saga built around magic, love, loss and sisterhood.
The 1998 original earned mixed-to-lukewarm reviews when it arrived, but its blend of romance, supernatural drama, comedy and female friendship eventually turned it into a cult favorite. Now, almost 28 years later, the Owens family is returning to theaters—and this time, the witches have a new generation waiting in the wings.
Practical Magic 2 Cast, Story and New Generation of Owens Witches Explained
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reprise their roles as Sally and Gillian Owens, the sisters whose family has spent generations living under a curse that prevents the Owens women from finding lasting love. Set approximately 25 years after the events of the original movie, Practical Magic 2 follows the family as the women unite to confront the curse once again.
The sequel also brings back Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest as the eccentric aunts Frances—also known as Franny or Fran in some sources—and Jet. Meanwhile, Joey King and Maisie Williams join the next generation as Sally’s daughters Kylie and Antonia. Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, who plays Kylie’s love interest, and Solly McLeod are also part of the supporting cast.
Bullock and Kidman are producers alongside Denise Di Novi, making the reunion even more significant. For Bullock, the project also marks her first major acting role after roughly a four-year break, following her most recent theatrical feature work around 2022.
The sequel’s story draws from Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel The Book of Magic, the fourth book in her Practical Magic series. Kylie becomes caught in the Owens family’s supernatural history after her romantic interest is involved in an accident. She discovers that the family curse is real and decides to “fix” it.
That mission takes Kylie from Massachusetts to England, the ancestral origin of the Owens family’s magic. But her attempt to solve the family’s problem sends her toward a darker path, forcing Sally and Gillian to follow her. The older generation is once again pulled into the fight as they try to protect Kylie and confront the curse together.
The sequel is directed by award-winning Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier, with a screenplay credited to Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett and Kelly Marcel. Rather than completely rebuilding the franchise, the filmmakers have focused on preserving what made the original special.
Bullock emphasized that Practical Magic 2 would retain “the flavour” of the first film, particularly Sally and Gillian’s chemistry, its humor and its willingness to explore darker emotional territory.
“It had something that has to continue for each generation and if there’s a number three, it has to still be there; the honouring of the flavour, the dynamic between the two of us, the humour, not being afraid to go into the dark and the tragic moments, and there’s a lot of unabashed loving. There’s nothing cringe about just really liking and loving each other,” said Bullock.
That balance matters because the original’s reputation changed dramatically over time. What began with mixed-to-lukewarm reviews gradually became a beloved cult classic as audiences connected with its themes of family, acceptance, romance and sisterhood.
Nicole Kidman Says the Practical Magic Reunion Is “Extraordinary”
The cast reunited at the film’s European premiere at Leicester Square in London on August 26, 2026. Kidman reflected on just how unlikely the reunion would have seemed nearly three decades ago.
“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,” she said. “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.”
That “passing the baton” idea is basically the sequel’s entire power-up. Sally and Gillian remain central, but Kylie and Antonia represent the future of the Owens family.
Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest have also credited fans with helping make the sequel happen. Channing said:
“They asked for this to be done. This is all based on popular demand,” said Channing.
Wiest connected the movie’s return to the support women give one another:
“It wouldn’t have happened without this groundswell. And it has something to do with women supporting other women, women coming together as sisters,” Wiest said.
The promotional campaign doubles down on that message. One trailer declares:
“No magic is stronger than sisterhood. Cast by fate, tested by time, and never broken.”
Another emotional moment has Sally telling Gillian:
“I want you to know if anything happens to me Gillian, it’s you. You’re my person.”
The line underlines the bond that has always powered the franchise. No matter how dangerous the supernatural threat becomes, Sally and Gillian’s connection remains their strongest protection.
Practical Magic 2 Release Date and Theatrical Details
| Official detail | Information |
| Film | Practical Magic 2 |
| European premiere | August 26, 2026 |
| Premiere location | Leicester Square, London |
| North American theatrical release | September 11, 2026 |
| International rollout | Beginning around September 9, 2026 |
| Original film | Practical Magic (1998) |
| Director | Susanne Bier |
| Source novel | The Book of Magic (2021) |
Warner Bros. is bringing Practical Magic 2 to theaters beginning around September 9–11, 2026, with North America widely reported for September 11 and international rollout beginning around September 9. Because some listings and earlier release information have reflected date changes, audiences should check local theater listings and the latest Warner Bros. announcements for the exact date in their territory.
With the story moving between Massachusetts and England, the sequel can dig deeper into the Owens family’s magical origins without losing the emotional focus that defined the first film. The central conflict remains personal as the family faces the curse while dealing with love, loss, responsibility and the complicated dynamics between generations.
After almost three decades, Sally and Gillian aren’t simply returning to replay the past. They’re stepping back into the spotlight to protect the witches who come next—and make sure the Owens magic survives.
Disclaimer
This article is based on thorough research of the supplied reporting, Reuters’ August 26, 2026 European-premiere coverage, promotional materials, and previously reported casting and production information. Release dates may vary by territory and have changed across different listings, so readers should check the latest Warner Bros. information and local theater listings for final dates. Plot details have been kept at a pre-release, non-spoiler level. Quotes attributed to Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest have been retained as provided in the supplied source material. Sources include Reuters, Los Angeles Times, Deadline, Warner Bros. promotional materials and People.
Sources
- Reuters — ‘Practical Magic 2’ returns to celebrate sisterhood, pass the baton
- Los Angeles Times — ‘Practical Magic 2’ trailer and Owens sisters coverage
- Deadline — ‘Practical Magic 2’ European Premiere Photos
Featured Image Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection
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