Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Joey King, and Maisie Williams reunited virtually to discuss the release of “Practical Magic 2,” the long-awaited sequel to the 1998 cult film “Practical Magic.” The new installment, which opened in theaters last Friday, continues the story of the Owens family, a clan of witches struggling with a generational curse.

In the original film, Kidman and Bullock portrayed Gillian and Sally Owens, two sisters burdened with a curse that kills any man they fall in love with. Despite mixed critical reviews at the time—some describing the first film as lighthearted and uneven—the story developed a devoted fan base over the years, spanning multiple generations. The sequel, directed by Susanne Bier and based on the fourth novel in Alice Hoffman’s “Practical Magic” series, expands the narrative by focusing on Sally’s daughters, Kylie and Antonia, played by King and Williams. The plot centers on the Owens women’s efforts to break the family curse permanently following a tragic accident involving Kylie’s boyfriend.

Bullock and Kidman reflected on the unlikely journey toward making the sequel. Bullock revealed the duo actively pushed for the project, noting the original film was not initially met with widespread enthusiasm and that making a follow-up was never anticipated. However, over time they observed a growing audience appreciation that encouraged them to revisit their roles. King and Williams recounted their personal connections to the original; King first watched the film on DVD as a child, emphasizing its enduring popularity within her family, while Williams acknowledged the cultural influence of the film’s imagery even before starring in the sequel.

The cast also addressed the sensitivity required in continuing a story that has become beloved. Bullock acknowledged the first film's darker elements, such as its depiction of abusive relationships, were toned down to accommodate audience expectations at the time. In contrast, the sequel embraces a deeper exploration of challenging themes, reflecting shifting societal conversations around such topics.

Discussing their chemistry, Kidman and Bullock recalled the early days of their friendship during the first production. The actresses reminisced about the camaraderie on set, including an iconic salsa dance scene, and expressed enthusiasm for rekindling that dynamic. The conversation turned reflective when the stars spoke about the representation of witches and magic in popular culture. Williams described the term “witch” as empowering, symbolizing female strength that historically challenged patriarchal norms. Bullock shared her experiences growing up around strong women who had to keep their power discreet and expressed hope that future generations would embrace such empowerment more openly.

Kidman reflected on her childhood fascination with magic, recalling how alone and isolated she felt as a child, often imagining she had supernatural abilities as a way to cope. The actors also touched on the unexpected cultural impact of Kidman’s recent AMC commercial, which features a line from the original film and has become a popular symbol among fans.

They highlighted “midnight margaritas,” a tradition from the Owens family depicted in the films, crediting Griffin Dunne—the director of the original—for adding this memorable touch. Though Dunne did not direct the sequel, the team agreed it was important to bring a female directorial perspective with Susanne Bier at the helm, aligning with the story’s focus on women’s experiences.

When asked about the prospect of a third film, both Bullock and Kidman expressed enthusiasm, noting there is ample material left to explore. The iconic Owens family home, a key location built on sets in Washington State for the first film and England for the second, remains a powerful symbol of family and belonging. King and Kidman connected this idea to their personal lives, describing how the romantic notion of coming home resonates deeply with them and their hopes for family unity.

“Practical Magic 2” seeks to build on the original’s legacy while addressing contemporary themes, reaffirming the Owens women’s place in modern storytelling about family, empowerment, and resilience.