Everything We Know About Practical Magic 2: The Owens Sisters Return
The season of the witch is about to rise again. Over two decades after the release of the cult classic Practical Magic (1998), Warner Bros. is officially moving forward with Practical Magic 2. With a confirmed release date, returning stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, and a new generation of cast members joining the magical universe, the sequel is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of everything we know so far — from the story and production status to the cast, creative team, and the enduring cultural impact of the first film.
A Look Back: The Legacy of Practical Magic (1998)
Released in October 1998, Practical Magic was based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel of the same name. Directed by Griffin Dunne, the film starred Sandra Bullock as Sally Owens and Nicole Kidman as Gillian Owens — two sisters who come from a long line of witches cursed in matters of love. Every man who dares fall in love with an Owens woman is doomed to die prematurely, leaving the sisters to live under a shadow of tragedy.
The movie also featured Academy Award–winning actresses Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing as Aunt Jet and Aunt Frances, the eccentric but wise matriarchs who raised Sally and Gillian after their parents’ deaths. With its blend of gothic romance, bittersweet comedy, and magical realism, Practical Magic carved out a unique space in late-90s cinema.
Though it grossed around $68 million worldwide (with $47 million domestically), reviews at the time were mixed. Critics felt the tone was uneven, but audiences slowly embraced the film over the years. It found a second life on television reruns, VHS, DVD, and streaming, developing a passionate cult following — especially among women who connected with its themes of sisterhood, resilience, and female empowerment.
The film’s legacy includes its iconic house on Whidbey Island in Washington State, which became a visual symbol of witchy Americana, and its unforgettable soundtrack featuring Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell. For many, Practical Magic has become synonymous with autumn, Halloween season, and the enduring fantasy of everyday magic.
When Will Practical Magic 2 Be Released?
Warner Bros. has confirmed a theatrical release date for September 18, 2026. The timing is deliberate — arriving just ahead of Halloween season, when audiences are most in the mood for witches, spells, and hauntingly romantic tales.
The 1998 film has become a perennial favorite in October programming, often streaming alongside seasonal staples like Hocus Pocus. By releasing the sequel in the fall, the studio is positioning it to capitalize on nostalgia while appealing to a new generation of viewers eager for supernatural escapism.
Production Status: Filming Has Begun
Yes, production is officially underway. Nicole Kidman herself confirmed the news with an Instagram video that showed her reuniting with co-star Sandra Bullock on set. Captioned “The witches are back. Owens sisters’ first day on set!” the clip quickly went viral, sparking excitement across social media.
Director Susanne Bier also shared the same video, emphasizing the return to the “witchy world” that audiences fell in love with nearly 30 years ago.
The production is taking place in multiple locations, including sound stages in the U.S. and exterior shots rumored to be in the Pacific Northwest, echoing the atmospheric setting of the original film.
Returning Cast: The Owens Family Reunited
At the heart of Practical Magic 2 are its stars:
Nicole Kidman as Gillian Owens
Sandra Bullock as Sally Owens
The two Oscar-winning actresses reprise their roles as the Owens sisters, whose bond as siblings was the emotional core of the original film.
Also returning are:
Dianne Wiest as Aunt Jet
Stockard Channing as Aunt Frances
These beloved characters were mentors to the sisters, teaching them spells, survival, and the importance of embracing their lineage. Fans have long considered Wiest and Channing’s portrayals iconic, and their return adds generational depth to the sequel.
New Faces in the Magical World
The sequel will also introduce new characters that expand the Owens family tree and bring fresh perspectives:
Joey King (The Kissing Booth, Bullet Train) joins the cast as one of Sally’s daughters. This development allows the story to explore how the next generation of Owens women navigate the family curse.
Lee Pace (Foundation, Guardians of the Galaxy) will play a mysterious newcomer whose role remains undisclosed but is expected to bring gravitas and intrigue.
Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones, The New Look) adds youthful energy to the cast, her character details kept tightly under wraps.
Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle, Cobra Kai) and Solly McLeod (The Dead Don’t Hurt) round out the newcomers, signaling that the sequel will feature a younger ensemble woven into the family saga.
Casting insiders hint that these new characters will either be connected to the Owens’ magical bloodline or serve as outsiders whose fates intertwine with the family.
Who’s Behind the Camera?
Academy Award–winning Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier is directing Practical Magic 2. Known for her emotionally charged dramas, Bier has worked with both Bullock and Kidman before, making her a natural fit to lead the sequel.
She directed Sandra Bullock in the hit Netflix thriller Bird Box (2018), which broke streaming records.
She also recently worked with Nicole Kidman on the Netflix limited series The Perfect Couple, adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s novel.
The screenplay is written by Akiva Goldsman (who co-wrote the original Practical Magic) and Georgia Pritchett, best known for her work on Succession and Veep. This pairing suggests a balance of continuity with the original film’s themes and a sharper, more modern sensibility.
What Will the Story Be About?
Plot details remain closely guarded, but early reports indicate that Practical Magic 2 will explore the consequences of the Owens sisters’ choices while shifting focus to the next generation. The inclusion of Joey King as Sally’s daughter hints at a continuation of the family curse and whether it can finally be broken.
Themes expected to return:
The unbreakable bond between sisters
The legacy of family curses and generational trauma
Love, loss, and the price of magic
The strength of women across generations
Given the involvement of Susanne Bier, viewers can also anticipate a more dramatic and emotionally layered tone, blending gothic fantasy with grounded human struggles.
Why Now? The Cultural Relevance of a Sequel
The resurgence of witchcraft in popular culture has created fertile ground for Practical Magic 2. From WandaVision to Hocus Pocus 2, audiences are drawn to stories of women wielding power, particularly when rooted in themes of resilience and self-discovery.
Moreover, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock are at the height of their cultural relevance. Kidman has earned acclaim for her roles in Big Little Lies and Being the Ricardos, while Bullock has remained a bankable star through projects like The Lost City. Their reunion is both a nostalgic callback and a timely reminder of their star power.
The original film’s feminist undertones — women creating their own destinies despite societal judgment — resonate even more strongly in today’s cultural climate. With a new generation of Owens women at the center, the sequel has the potential to speak to contemporary audiences about legacy, identity, and empowerment.
The Original Film’s Box Office and Critical Reassessment
Though Practical Magic earned a modest box office return, it has since been critically reappraised. Its initial “mixed” reviews often overlooked the strong performances and atmospheric world-building. Over time, however, critics and fans have recognized it as a cult classic, frequently included in lists of the best witch movies of all time.
The film’s enduring popularity on streaming platforms has kept it alive in public consciousness, especially during the fall season. For Warner Bros., a sequel is not only a creative opportunity but also a strategic business move to capitalize on nostalgia-driven IP.
What’s Next for Practical Magic 2?
With filming underway and a stacked cast, the next updates fans can expect are:
First-look images from set
Teaser trailers closer to late 2025 or early 2026
Official plot synopsis and character breakdowns
Marketing will likely lean heavily into the sisterly bond between Bullock and Kidman, the return of the aunts, and the new generational twist introduced through Sally’s daughter.
Practical Magic 2 is no longer just a dream whispered by fans on social media — it’s a reality. With Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing reprising their roles, a talented new ensemble, and an acclaimed director at the helm, the sequel promises to recapture the charm of the original while pushing the Owens’ story into bold new territory.
When the film arrives in September 2026, audiences will once again gather to witness the magic of sisterhood, resilience, and the eternal dance between love and fate. Until then, fans can only prepare their midnight margaritas and wait for the return of the Owens witches.
