Practical Magic 2 Set for 2026: Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock Reunite for Long-Awaited Sequel

In a move that has delighted fans of both magic and nostalgia, Warner Bros. has officially announced the sequel to the 1998 cult classic Practical Magic. Titled simply Practical Magic 2, the film will reunite original stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock and is set for release in 2026, nearly three decades after the original bewitched audiences around the world.

The long-awaited announcement, confirmed by multiple outlets including Variety and Good Morning America, sets the stage for a cinematic return to the Owens family’s spellbinding world. With themes of sisterhood, supernatural power, and resilience against societal expectations, Practical Magic has endured as a cultural touchstone—making its sequel one of the most anticipated legacy projects in recent years.

A Cult Classic Returns

Released in 1998 and directed by Griffin Dunne, Practical Magic was adapted from Alice Hoffman’s novel of the same name. Though the film received mixed reviews upon its original release, it has since developed a devoted fanbase, especially among women and LGBTQ+ audiences, drawn to its themes of empowerment, feminine mysticism, and familial loyalty.

The story followed Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman), sisters from a long line of witches, as they navigated love, loss, and a dangerous supernatural entanglement in their sleepy Massachusetts town. Over time, Practical Magic became a perennial favorite on streaming services and cable TV during Halloween season—cementing its place in pop culture history.

A Sequel Years in the Making

Rumors of a sequel have circulated for over a decade, often sparked by fan petitions and sporadic comments by cast members. But it wasn’t until Warner Bros. confirmed in early May 2025 that development was officially underway, with both Kidman and Bullock signed on to reprise their roles.

According to Variety, the sequel will pick up several decades after the events of the first film, focusing on a new generation of Owens women who grapple with their inherited powers in a rapidly changing world. While plot specifics remain under wraps, insiders suggest the narrative will intertwine present-day themes of identity, generational trauma, and female legacy within the context of modern witchcraft.

“This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s an evolution of the story,” said a source close to the production. “It’s about the enduring power of women, family, and choosing your own path.”

Confirmed Cast and Crew

Along with Kidman and Bullock, several familiar faces may return, although no other cast members have been officially confirmed as of this writing. Fans have speculated whether Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing, who played the Owens aunts, might appear in flashbacks or spiritual form, adding continuity and emotional weight to the story.

The screenplay is reportedly being developed with input from Alice Hoffman, the original author, who has written multiple follow-up novels including The Rules of Magic and Magic Lessons—both of which expand the Owens family mythology. There’s no confirmation yet on whether the sequel will directly adapt one of these books or forge a new story within the same universe.

No director has been announced, but Warner Bros. is expected to name a filmmaker in the coming months, ideally someone with a vision that blends the mystical, the emotional, and the empowering tone that defined the original.

Release Timeline and Expectations

Practical Magic 2 is currently slated for release in late 2026, with production expected to begin in early 2026 or possibly late 2025 depending on final script approvals and cast schedules. The announcement comes amid a growing trend in Hollywood to revisit beloved properties—particularly female-driven stories that once flew under the radar but gained iconic status over time.

The film will likely receive a theatrical release, with strong streaming support via Max (formerly HBO Max), reflecting the dual-distribution model Warner Bros. has increasingly adopted for major titles.

The Legacy of Practical Magic

One of the most remarkable things about Practical Magic is how it endured despite a lukewarm critical reception in 1998. Over time, the film’s deep emotional resonance, dreamy visual aesthetic, and standout performances helped it rise to cult classic status.

Sally and Gillian’s bond as sisters—equal parts fractured, fierce, and fiercely loyal—struck a chord with audiences, especially those from marginalized communities who saw themselves reflected in the Owens’ sense of otherness. The iconic scene of the family dancing in the kitchen to “Coconut” became shorthand for joy in sisterhood, and the film’s final image of witches reclaiming their place in the town has become symbolic of resilience in the face of persecution.

The feminist undercurrents in Practical Magic are stronger today than ever. Themes of inherited trauma, motherhood, empowerment, and social ostracization resonate deeply in the current cultural climate. Practical Magic 2 has a unique opportunity to re-express those messages for a new generation.

Cultural Impact and Fandom

Beyond the film itself, Practical Magic has inspired a subculture of its own—witchcore fashion, tarot cards, moon rituals, and an Instagram aesthetic full of lace dresses and apothecary jars. The Owens house, with its iconic Victorian architecture and lush herb gardens, became a fantasy setting for countless fans who longed for a place where magic and family coexisted peacefully.

On social media, the announcement of Practical Magic 2 triggered an immediate wave of excitement. Hashtags like #PracticalMagic2 and #OwensSisters surged on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, with fans sharing theories, dream casting lists, and emotional responses.

“It’s the sequel we’ve been manifesting for 25 years,” one fan wrote.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the excitement, the sequel will face high expectations—not only to recapture the charm of the original but to bring something fresh and relevant to today’s audiences. There are risks inherent in legacy sequels: nostalgia must be carefully balanced with innovation, and fan service should not override storytelling integrity.

Additionally, both Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock are A-list actors with packed schedules. Coordinating such a high-profile production will require precise planning and creative direction to ensure that it delivers the kind of magic fans are hoping for—literally and figuratively.

Conclusion: A Spell Recast for a New Age

Practical Magic 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a reclamation of one of cinema’s most quietly radical female narratives. At a time when Hollywood is finally beginning to value complex stories about women, magic, and legacy, the return of the Owens sisters feels less like a marketing move and more like a cultural moment.

If Warner Bros. and the creative team can blend the nostalgia of the original with a modern, emotionally resonant story, Practical Magic 2 could become not only a box office success but a defining film for a new generation of magic-seekers and sisterhood believers.

Key Details Recap:

• Title: Practical Magic 2

• Confirmed Stars: Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock

• Production Start: Late 2025 or early 2026 (projected)

• Release Date: Late 2026 (exact date TBD)

• Distributor: Warner Bros. (likely streaming on Max)

• Plot: Focus on a new generation of Owens women, themes of legacy and empowerment