Practical Magic 2 Fails To Cast A Spell As First Reactions To Nicole Kidman & Sandra Bullock's Sequel Arrive

28 years after the first movie's release, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock are set to reunite as modern-day witch sisters Gillian and Sally Owens for Practical Magic 2.

The sequel is set to hit theaters on 11th September, and the first reactions are now being shared on social media.

Though the first movie has developed a cult following over the years, it was far from a critical hit when it was released back in 1998, and was met with mixed reviews for what many perceived to be a jarring combination of different genres, including supernatural fantasy, horror, domestic abuse drama, romantic comedy, and crime procedural.

Practical Magic was also a box office flop, taking in just $68 million worldwide against a production budget of $75 million. This has led many to wonder why Warner Bros. thought a sequel would be a good idea, although it is worth noting that the new movie is expected to take in a very respectable $35M–$45M domestically when it arrives in theaters next week.

After vanquishing the spirit of Gillian's abusive ex-boyfriend, Jimmy, at the end of the first film, the sequel will find the sisters confronting a "dark curse that threatens to unravel their family once and for all."

New additions to the cast include Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, and Joey King, with Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest set to reprise their roles as the Owens Sisters' aunts.

Though there are some positive reactions, it's fair to say that Practical Magic 2 failed to cast a spell on the majority of critics.

Had to watch this as the hype! About @PracticalMagic 2 coming out! I love Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman but I have to say this film was terrible!!

There were literally 5 different stories happening in the film! Barely any magic at all! And just felt exactly like the image a… pic.twitter.com/pvIsmP0LvL

— Marc Zammit (@zammit_marc) August 31, 2026

#PracticalMagic2 is a disappointingly tepid sequel that fails to conjure up much of anything - including the original’s whimsy. At 130 mins, it’s overlong, the pacing is off and the third act feels fumbled. It’s a wasted opportunity. There’s sadly little charm or magic here. pic.twitter.com/vlBmFvKJLY

— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) September 3, 2026

Mixed on #PracticalMagic2: Sandra Bullock & Nicole Kidman’s chemistry carries the film. But it’s 30 minutes too long w/ lots of “shoe leather.” Daughters’ dynamic dealt short shrift. It makes *you* work overtime to uncover good thematic resonance. A soundtrack left lacking hits. pic.twitter.com/pCMsqWSLlX

— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) September 3, 2026

PRACTICAL MAGIC 2 is a delightfully cozy and charming sequel with a hefty amount of heart that is sure to please longtime fans of the beloved original. Bullock and Kidman still have the magic, King, Williams and Pace are terrific new additions, especially the latter who is… pic.twitter.com/QuhY0YTYso

— Tom Chatalbash (@TomChatalbash) September 2, 2026

PRACTICAL MAGIC 2 is a mixed bag. Bullock and Kidman are again great, Lee Pace is a solid addition. You get a nice window into the family’s history. It’s also much too long, and some of those lore elements don’t make sense. The daughter characters are mishandled. Magic it’s not. pic.twitter.com/mTkm1QQeYs

— Jeff Ewing (@ReelJeffEwing) September 3, 2026

#PracticalMagic2 has some good moments, but won't leave you bewitched.

Kidman & Bullock have the best sister chemistry, but Joey King and Maisie Williams don't have enough screen time together.

Predictable, and the attempts at humor don't work at all. Occasionally charming. pic.twitter.com/lHr0RIvxyn

— Jonathan Sim (@TheJonathanSim) September 2, 2026

Absolutely LOVED #PracticalMagic2. The first film is an all-time fav & its sequel perfectly captures the charm, humor, & magic of its predecessor. Bullock & Kidman’s chemistry picks up like no time has passed & the film’s continued focus on sisterhood above all is perfection!✨ pic.twitter.com/lobncQ3U46

— Lauren Bradshaw (@flickchickdc) September 1, 2026

Nicole & Sandra effortlessly return in #PracticalMagic2. Stockard & Dianne provide a welcome emotional anchor. Nostalgic & touching, even if its runtime feels a tad too long. Maisie Williams & Joey King are solid additions, though the story favors the latter’s arc 1/2 pic.twitter.com/hMjlsjLDoO

— Zosia Wijaszka (@thefilmnerdette) September 3, 2026

The magic returns.✨ #PracticalMagic2 is coming to theaters this September. pic.twitter.com/qpDVlI43Dd

— Practical Magic (@PracticalMagic) April 20, 2026

Practical Magic 2 returns to a world steeped in moonlit mischief and powerful ancestral magic, as the Owens sisters must confront the dark curse that threatens to unravel their family once and for all in a must-see cinematic event of fun, magic and mayhem.

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star, alongside Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, Solly McLeod, Stockard Channing, and Dianne Wiest. Susanne Bier directs the project, from a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman and Georgia Pritchett, based on the novel entitled The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman.

The film is produced by Denise DiNovi, Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, and executive produced by Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Donald Sabourin, Alice Hoffman.