Nicole Kidman’s 1998 cult classic Practical Magic is set to return with a sequel this year. With the movie having wrapped production last year, the Lioness star recently elaborated on joining forces with After the Wedding director Susanne Bier for the long-awaited follow-up. This collaboration that aligns with her long-standing commitment to amplify women’s representation behind the camera.

For the unversed, in the wake of the #MeToo movement, Nicole Kidman pledged to boost women’s representation in filmmaking by working with a female director at least once every 18 months. Suffice it to say, she has far exceeded that original goal by a wide margin.

Movie Name:Practical MagicRelease Year:1998Director:Griffin DunneIMDb Score:6.3 (as of March 11)RT Rating:27% | 73% (as of March 11)Box Office:$46.7 million (as of March 11)Budget:$75 million

Nicole Kidman Delivers on Her Pledge with Practical Magic 2

Not only has Kidman been true to her promise, but as of last year, she had worked with 27 women directors, and the actor has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon. She said (via Variety):

It’s so good to have found a purpose in terms of that work, being able to shift something culturally at a time where you just go, “Well, yeah, I work a lot, and I’m hoping to be able to give female directors and writers far more of a chance through my own showing up and being in the thing.” And then I also produce when I’m not in them.

Considering women filmmakers are often pressured to be perfect with their debut outings, Kidman was adamant about changing this notion by actually starring in them (via Time). This isn’t to say she has discarded the prospect of working with male directors, which is reflected in her recent collaborations with Taylor Sheridan, David Gordon, and Baz Luhrmann.

Moreover, the actor will also star in Osgood Perkins’ upcoming horror-thriller, The Young People. The longevity of her career and her commitment to the craft stand second to none.

Is the OG Cast Returning for Practical Magic 2?

A still from Practical Magic | Credit: Warner Bros.

Much of the main cast is set to reprise their roles in the follow-up, which will adapt Alice Hoffman’s 2021 book, The Book of Magic. Kidman, who plays Gillian, will be joined by Sandra Bullock‘s Sally Owens, and OG stars Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing will return as Aunt Jet and Aunt Franny.

Evan Rachel Wood, who played Kylie Owens, won’t be returning. Later speaking on her absence, Woods revealed that she was never approached to reprise her role, adding (via THR):

I am getting asked about this a lot, so l’ll just clear it up now; I was not asked to come back and be in the Practical Magic sequel. I offered my services, even if it was one scene or one line. I was told they are recasting. I am sorry to disappoint the fans. It was not in my control or my choice. I would have happily rejoined my sisters

On the flip side, newcomers in the follow-up include Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod. But amid the reunion, one pivotal member of the first movie.

When is Practical Magic 2 Expected to Release?

A still from Practical Magic | Credit: Warner Bros.

While the follow-up was originally slated for release on September 18, WB has moved up the release to Post-Labor Day Weekend. Originally reserved for DCU’s Clayface movie, which has now moved to October, the Kidman-led sequel will fill the vacant spot of September 11 (via Deadline).

Given that the representation of women filmmakers among the biggest hits in recent years remains relatively low (13.6% in 2024), Kidman remains adamant about continuing her pledge to help improve that figure.

Practical Magic is available to rent on Apple TV.

Practical Magic 2 is slated to release on September 11, 2026.
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