- Director: Susanne Bier (Bird Box, The Night Manager)
- Starring: Sandra Bullock (Sally), Nicole Kidman (Gillian), Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest
- Genre: Supernatural Drama / Fantasy Romance
- Theatrical Release: September 18, 2026
1. The Creative Team and Cast
The sequel is a high-profile reunion of the original “A-List” powerhouses. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are not only reprising their roles as the Owens sisters but are also serving as producers. Most excitingly for long-time fans, the legendary Stockard Channing (Aunt Frances) and Dianne Wiest (Aunt Jet) were officially confirmed in July 2025 to return, ensuring the original family dynamic remains intact. The film is directed by Susanne Bier, who has a proven track record of working with both leads, and the script is penned by Akiva Goldsman (who co-wrote the 1998 original).
2. Retrospective: The Cult of Practical Magic
- The 1998 Original: Initially receiving mixed reviews, the first film grew into a beloved cult classic. It followed Sally and Gillian, witches born into a curse where any man they love is doomed to die. The film became famous for its cozy aesthetic, the “Midnight Margaritas” scene, and its focus on sisterly bonds over romance.
- The Long Wait: For decades, fans petitioned for a sequel. The project finally gained momentum in 2024 following the success of Alice Hoffman’s follow-up novels, The Rules of Magic and The Book of Magic.
3. The Sequel: What to Expect in 2026
The 2026 film is based on Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel, “The Book of Magic,” which picks up years later and introduces a new generation of the Owens family.
- The Plot: The story shifts focus to three generations of Owens women. When a new crisis emerges, Sally’s now-adult daughters—one of whom is played by Joey King—must team up with their mother and aunts on a globetrotting mission to London and Paris to finally break the family curse for good.
- New Faces: The production has added several rising stars to the “Next Gen” cast, including Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones), Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle), and Lee Pace.
- Production Status: Filming officially wrapped in late 2025. Nicole Kidman shared a behind-the-scenes clip in September 2025 showing her and Bullock together on set, confirming that the chemistry between the “sisters” is as magical as ever.
Final Verdict
Practical Magic 2 (2026) is poised to be the ultimate nostalgic event for the “Witchy Aesthetic” community. By honoring the original cast while expanding the lore with new characters and global locations, Warner Bros. is betting on a multigenerational hit. It promises to be a rare sequel that captures the “cozy” feeling of the 90s while modernizing the stakes of the Owens family’s magical legacy.
