Full Breakdown
Surprise Screening Ignites Buzz for *Practical Magic* Sequel
8/3/2026, 12:16:19 PM
Background: The Original Film and Upcoming Follow-up
The 1998 cult classic *Practical Magic* follows sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, as they grapple with a family curse that harms the men they love. Warner Bros. is releasing a sequel set 28 years later, directed by Susanne Bier and based on Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel *The Book of Magic*. Returning cast members include Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod, while Joey King and Maisie Williams join as the sisters’ adult daughters. The sequel is slated for theatrical release on Sept. 11, and the original film will return for a one-night showing on Aug. 11 to build anticipation.
Official Statements & Responses
At a Cinespia outdoor screening held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Bullock highlighted the venue’s fit for the witch-themed movie, noting the crowd’s enthusiasm. Kidman thanked fans for supporting the sequel’s production and expressed excitement about the new installment. Both stars also introduced the “next generation” of Owens sisters—King and Williams—who toasted the audience with margaritas supplied by Astral Tequila. The event was part of Cinespia’s 25th-anniversary lineup, which also features screenings of *The Mummy*, *X* and *Pearl*, *Coming to America* and a 40th-anniversary showing of *Labyrinth*.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Thank you so much for coming out tonight. Perfect movie to show in a cemetery,” — Sandra Bullock
- “We should also thank the spirits that are floating around us as well because you’re on their seats.” — Nicole Kidman
- “Thank you for all your support for getting this second film made that’s coming to you very soon.” — Nicole Kidman
Upcoming Events & Release Details
The sequel, titled *Practical Magic 2*, will open in theaters on Sept. 11. In advance of that launch, the original film receives a limited theatrical run on Aug. 11. Cinespia’s celebration of the screening underscores the franchise’s enduring fan base and sets the stage for the sequel’s “moonlit mischief, powerful ancestral magic” narrative.
