The beloved 1998 cult classic Practical Magic is returning with Practical Magic 2, set to enchant theaters on September 18, 2026. Starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as the witchy Owens sisters, this long-awaited sequel promises to blend nostalgia, magic, and darker stakes, picking up where the original left off. Directed by Susanne Bier and based on Alice Hoffman’s cherished novel series, the film dives deeper into the Owens family’s mystical legacy, delivering a mix of romance, sisterhood, and supernatural thrills. With a star-studded cast, a spellbinding story, and shocking plot twists, Practical Magic 2 is poised to captivate both longtime fans and new audiences with its promise of “the witches are back.”
The Story: A Magical Legacy Reborn
Practical Magic (1998) introduced audiences to Gillian and Sally Owens, two sisters born into a magical family cursed to lose the men they love. Raised by their eccentric aunts in a small Massachusetts town, the sisters navigated a centuries-old curse, a resurrection gone wrong, and their own bond through a blend of comedy, romance, and fantasy. Based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel, the film became a cult favorite for its cozy fall vibe, iconic “midnight margaritas” scene, and themes of female empowerment.
Practical Magic 2 picks up nearly three decades later, with Gillian (Kidman) and Sally (Bullock) now older but no less magical. The sequel draws inspiration from Hoffman’s later novels, particularly The Book of Magic (2021), which explores the next generation of the Owens family and their efforts to break the family curse. The story centers on the sisters’ return to their hometown after a mysterious summons, only to face a new supernatural threat tied to their ancestors. As they mentor Sally’s daughters—now young witches discovering their powers—the Owens women confront dark magic, family secrets, and unresolved trauma from their past.
The plot weaves contemporary issues, like the pressures of aging and legacy, with the series’ signature blend of whimsy and danger. The sisters must unite to protect their family from a malevolent force, possibly a resurrected foe or a new curse, while navigating personal struggles—Gillian’s wild heart and Sally’s protective instincts. Set against the picturesque New England coast, the film’s lush visuals, enhanced by a haunting score, amplify its magical atmosphere. Early buzz suggests a darker tone, with more intense spellwork and emotional stakes, as the sisters face the cost of their magic in a world that’s changed since 1998.
The Star-Studded Cast: Old Favorites and New Faces
Nicole Kidman returns as Gillian Owens, the free-spirited sister whose charm and impulsiveness drive much of the drama. Kidman, who also serves as a producer, brings a seasoned depth to Gillian, capturing her evolution from a reckless romantic to a wise yet fiery witch. Her red hair and maroon lace dresses, glimpsed in set photos, evoke the original’s iconic style while signaling a bolder Gillian. Sandra Bullock reprises Sally Owens, the practical, grounded sister who anchors the family. Bullock’s nuanced performance highlights Sally’s struggle to balance motherhood with her magical heritage, making her a relatable heart of the story.
Joining them are returning stars Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing as Aunt Jet and Aunt Frances, the eccentric matriarchs who raised the sisters. Wiest and Channing, both Oscar-nominated legends, infuse their roles with warmth, wisdom, and a touch of mischief, guiding the new generation through magical chaos. Their return ensures the film retains its nostalgic charm, with scenes of the aunts brewing potions and imparting spells.
The sequel introduces a vibrant new cast to represent the next generation. Joey King plays one of Sally’s daughters, a headstrong young witch whose powers spark conflict. Maisie Williams joins as another young relative, bringing her Game of Thrones intensity to a role that’s both vulnerable and fierce. Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod round out the ensemble, playing mysterious figures tied to the new threat—possibly allies, love interests, or foes. Pace’s brooding charisma hints at a romantic arc, while Maridueña and McLeod add youthful energy to the magical battles.
Directed by Susanne Bier, known for Bird Box and The Perfect Couple, the film benefits from her experience working with Bullock and Kidman. The script, co-written by Akiva Goldsman (who penned the original) and Georgia Pritchett (Succession), balances humor, heart, and horror. Filmed in Massachusetts and New York, the movie’s autumnal aesthetic, with moonlit forests and cozy Victorian homes, enhances the cast’s dynamic performances, making Practical Magic 2 a visual and emotional feast.
Plot Twists: Shocking Secrets and Magical Mayhem
Practical Magic 2 promises a cauldron of surprises, with plot twists that deepen the Owens family’s lore. The trailer teases a “dark force” threatening the sisters, suggesting a major twist tied to their past. One shocker could involve the return of Jimmy Angelov, Gillian’s abusive ex from the original, whose spirit was banished but may resurface as a vengeful entity. His resurrection could force Gillian to confront her guilt, revealing she’s been hiding a secret about his death—perhaps a spell gone wrong that unleashed the new threat.
Another twist might center on Sally’s daughters. Joey King’s character, hinted to be a powerful witch, could accidentally awaken a dormant curse, turning her against the family. This betrayal would test Sally’s maternal instincts, leading to a heart-wrenching confrontation. The aunts, Jet and Frances, might hold a bombshell secret—perhaps they knew the curse’s true origin, tied to an ancestor’s pact with a dark entity, and hid it to protect the sisters. This revelation could force the family to face a choice: sacrifice their magic or risk annihilation.
A romantic twist could involve Lee Pace’s character, possibly a charming stranger who’s more than he seems. The trailer’s glimpses of a forbidden love suggest he’s either a descendant of the curse’s creator or a magical being manipulating the Owens women. The climax might deliver the biggest shock: to break the curse, one sister—Gillian or Sally—must make a permanent sacrifice, like giving up their powers or even their life. The trailer’s cemetery scene, with the sisters standing among gravestones, hints at a death or a ritual that could reshape the family forever.
The film’s modern setting adds a twist of its own, with social media exposing the Owens’ magic to the world. A viral video of a spell gone wrong could threaten their secrecy, forcing them to confront public scrutiny. These twists, blending supernatural horror with emotional stakes, ensure Practical Magic 2 keeps audiences spellbound.
Why Practical Magic 2 Matters: A Timeless Tale for Today
Practical Magic (1998) became a cult classic for its celebration of sisterhood, resilience, and unapologetic femininity, wrapped in a cozy yet spooky package. The sequel honors this legacy while updating it for 2026, tackling themes of aging, legacy, and empowerment in a world obsessed with perfection. The Owens sisters’ journey resonates in an era of social media scrutiny and renewed interest in witchcraft, making their story both nostalgic and relevant.
Susanne Bier’s direction brings a sophisticated edge, balancing the original’s campy charm with darker, more cinematic storytelling. The script’s feminist undertones, amplified by Pritchett’s sharp dialogue, explore how women navigate power and vulnerability across generations. The cast, led by Kidman and Bullock, blends Hollywood star power with fresh talent, ensuring broad appeal. The film’s New England setting, with its autumn leaves and misty shores, evokes the original’s “fall vibe” while adding modern visual flair.
The sequel’s timing taps into a cultural wave, with witch-themed stories like Agatha All Along and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina thriving. Fan excitement, evident in social media buzz and Kidman’s Instagram posts from the set, underscores the demand for the Owens sisters’ return. The film’s promise to “honor the spirit” of the original while introducing new magic ensures it will cast a spell on audiences.
What to Expect on Release Day
Practical Magic 2 hits theaters on September 18, 2026, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. With a runtime of about 120 minutes, it offers a tight, enchanting experience. Early buzz praises the chemistry between Kidman and Bullock, the vibrant new cast, and Bier’s bold vision, though some fans worry it may lean too dark for the original’s cozy fans. The trailer’s mix of spells, sisterhood, and shocks suggests a film that balances nostalgia with fresh thrills.
For fans of magic, romance, and family drama, Practical Magic 2 is a must-see. As Gillian and Sally Owens face their past and fight for their future, this sequel proves some spells never fade. Grab your broomstick—the witches are back, and they’re ready to enchant the world.
