‘Practical Magic 2’ eyes huge $46m debut as Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman revive 1990s nostalgia

Practical Magic 2 is shaping up to be one of the biggest nostalgia driven releases of September, with early box office tracking pointing towards a potentially powerful opening for the long awaited sequel starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.

According to early tracking reports cited by World of Reel, the Warner Bros film could open above $40m domestically, while Box Office Theory has projected an opening weekend of approximately $46.5m. These figures are forecasts rather than final box office results, and they can change significantly as the release approaches.

The projections are particularly notable because the original Practical Magic was not a major theatrical success when it arrived in 1998. The film eventually developed a dedicated following over the years, helping transform the story of sisters Sally and Gillian Owens into a recognised cult favourite.

That audience loyalty is now being tested at a very different moment for Hollywood. Studios have increasingly returned to established properties from the 1990s and early 2000s, betting that familiar characters and returning stars can encourage audiences to head back to cinemas. Practical Magic 2 arrives with one of the strongest possible advantages for that strategy because Bullock and Kidman are both returning as the Owens sisters.

The sequel is directed by Susanne Bier and features a returning ensemble that includes Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest. Joey King, Maisie Williams, Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod are also part of the cast. The film is based on Alice Hoffman's The Book of Magic, which continues the story of the Owens family.

The original film followed Sally and Gillian, sisters born into a family of witches who were raised by their eccentric aunts. Their family history came with a curse that affected their romantic relationships, creating the central conflict of the 1998 film.

The sequel brings that supernatural family history into a new generation. Warner Bros' official synopsis states that Sally and Gillian must confront a dark curse threatening their family, while the cast includes younger members of the Owens family played by King and Williams.

Bullock's return is also significant because the actress stepped away from acting for several years after The Lost City, making Practical Magic 2 her major return to a theatrical franchise. Kidman, meanwhile, has remained one of Hollywood's busiest performers across film and television.

The reunion has already generated strong interest during the film's promotional campaign. Bullock and Kidman appeared together at the London premiere in August, while members of the returning cast have spoken about the experience of revisiting characters first introduced nearly three decades ago. Dianne Wiest, who returns as Aunt Jet, recently discussed filming the sequel and the bond between the returning cast members.

The commercial expectations therefore come from several factors at once. The sequel has recognisable stars, an established supernatural property, returning characters and a fan base that has had years to grow around the original film. Its connection to the 1990s also gives Warner Bros an opportunity to appeal to viewers who remember the first film while introducing the story to younger audiences.