If you were around in the late 90s, you probably remember the specific, cozy brand of chaos that was the Owens sisters. It wasn’t just a movie about witches. It was about the hair, the kitchen, the Stevie Nicks on the soundtrack, and that "midnight margaritas" energy that somehow made a house haunted by an abusive ghost feel like a place you’d actually want to live.
Now, decades later, the news is finally concrete. Practical Magic 2 is officially coming to theaters on September 18, 2026.
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock aren't just doing a quick cameo for nostalgia points. They are back as the leads. They’re also producing the thing. Honestly, it’s about time. Kidman has been on a absolute tear lately—from her Volpi Cup-winning performance in Babygirl to her upcoming forensic thriller series Scarpetta—but there is something uniquely grounded about her returning to the role of Gillian Owens.
The Actual Plot: It’s Not Just a Retread
A lot of people think this is just going to be a "where are they now" fluff piece. It’s not. Warner Bros. has confirmed the sequel is drawing heavily from Alice Hoffman’s newer work in the series, specifically The Book of Magic.
If you haven’t kept up with the books, the lore goes way deeper than the first movie ever touched. We aren't just looking at Sally and Gillian anymore; we’re looking at the next generation. Joey King and Maisie Williams have joined the cast, likely playing the daughters who are now grappling with the same bloodline quirks their mother and aunt barely survived.
Here’s the thing: the 1998 film was basically a commercial flop that turned into a cult legend. Critics at the time didn’t know what to do with a movie that mixed domestic drama, rom-com vibes, and a literal exorcism. In 2026, though? We live in the age of "witchcore." The timing is almost too perfect.
Why Kidman is Risking the Legacy
Nicole Kidman is at a point in her career where she doesn't need to do sequels. She just finished a grueling run for Babygirl, a film she described as "ragged" and "exposing." So why go back to a 28-year-old property?
✨ Don't miss: What Really Happened in Mama June Family Crisis Season 7
Basically, she and Bullock have been looking for the right script for years.
Director Susanne Bier is taking the helm this time. You know her from The Undoing and Bird Box. She has a very specific, high-tension style that suggests this sequel might be a bit darker than the original. Don’t worry, though—producer Denise Di Novi has been vocal about "honoring" the original’s themes of sisterhood and acceptance. They aren't trying to reinvent the wheel, but they are trying to make it spin for a modern audience.
Who Else is Back?
The casting news has been a slow drip of dopamine for fans:
🔗 Read more: Why So Fresh and So Clean Clean Still Defines Atlanta Hip-Hop Culture
- Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest: Yes, the aunts are officially returning. It wouldn’t be an Owens house without them.
- New Faces: Along with Joey King and Maisie Williams, we’re getting Xolo Maridueña and Lee Pace.
- The Tone: It’s being described as a "romantic fantasy," keeping that blend of heart and haunt.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room
There’s a lot of chatter about whether a sequel can capture the lightning-in-a-bottle feel of the first one. Let’s be real: sequels to cult classics are usually a disaster. However, Kidman and Bullock have a rare off-screen friendship that usually translates into a specific kind of chemistry on-screen.
They finished filming in late 2025. Kidman even posted a wrap video on Instagram thanking the crew for "all the magic." It feels like a passion project rather than a paycheck.
The production moved to the UK for a significant chunk of the shoot, which hints at some sprawling, atmospheric locations that might rival the original Friday Harbor vibe. If you’re expecting a carbon copy of the first house, you might be surprised—the story involves a "return to the roots" that goes beyond just one Victorian mansion.
What This Means for Kidman's 2026
Kidman is basically owning the 2026 release calendar. Before we get the Practical Magic sequel in September, she’ll be starring in Scarpetta on Prime Video starting March 11, 2026. She’s playing Kay Scarpetta, the iconic forensic pathologist from Patricia Cornwell’s novels.
It’s a wild contrast. In March, she’s a "badass" medical examiner dealing with blood and serial killers. In September, she’s Gillian Owens, probably still causing supernatural trouble.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to be ready for the release, there are a few things you actually need to do instead of just waiting for the trailer.
👉 See also: Who Really Made the Wire in the Blood Cast So Unforgettable?
- Read "The Book of Magic": If you want the spoilers (or just the vibe), Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel is the blueprint. It bridges the gap between the generations.
- Re-watch on Max: The original is currently streaming there. Pay attention to the background details in the Owens house; the production designers for the sequel have hinted at several "Easter eggs" hidden in the new sets.
- Track the Soundtrack: Stevie Nicks is rumored to be involved again. If you’re a fan of the original "Crystal" or "If You Ever Did Believe," keep an eye on Apple Music or Spotify for early singles in mid-2026.
We're looking at a film that aims to be the definitive "autumn movie" of 2026. Between the return of the original cast and the addition of Gen Z stars like King and Williams, it’s positioned to be a massive box-office hit. Mark your calendars for September 18.