Sandra Bullock is making sure the creator of “Practical Magic” is never erased.
It’s nearly three decades after the original film disappointed at the box office and eventually gained cult status. Bullock and Nicole Kidman return for “Practical Magic 2,” playing the sibling witches in the first part of the movie.
Sandra Bullock took time to acknowledge the brain behind the 1998 fantasy comedy, Director Griffin Dunne. “Practical Magic 2” is directed by Susanne Bier. It is based on Alice Hoffman’s novel “The Book of Magic.”
The original “Practical Magic” did not immediately become the beloved film it is today. Bullock recalled that she and Kidman believed audiences would love the movie, only for the excitement to disappear after its release. “And then it got quiet,” Bullock remembered, describing the reaction that followed.
She said the film faced questions about having too many women and too many different tones. Those doubts came despite the chemistry between Bullock and Kidman and the distinctive world created around their characters. The movie eventually found a much more lasting audience after its initial theatrical disappointment.
Bullock specifically credited Dunne for helping make that world possible. She stressed that he created the world alongside the actresses and allowed them to bring their characters fully to life. Kidman also remembered Dunne as someone who loved them. “And he loved us and let us shine,” she said.
Bullock believes that recognition is long overdue because Dunne did not get to enjoy the appreciation that came later. “It’s because of him, this film exists,” she said. She added that he “never got to smell the flowers when we made it,” making his contribution central to her reflection on the franchise, as shared by Variety.
The Owens Sisters Are Finally Back
The return of Sally and Gillian Owens has been one of the biggest attractions surrounding “Practical Magic 2.” Bullock and Kidman are reprising the roles that made their sisterly chemistry such a memorable part of the original film as the sibling witches.
The new story brings the Owens family into another chapter while introducing younger members of the cast. Joey King and Maisie Williams join the returning stars, with the sequel expanding the world around Sally and Gillian. The film is directed by Bier and is based on Alice Hoffman’s “The Book of Magic.”
The Los Angeles premiere also brought Bullock and Kidman back onto the red carpet alongside Bier, King, Williams, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod. Deadline shared that the sequel returns 25 years after the first part explored the Owens family and the origin of their magic.
The Daughters Got New Faces For The Sequel
The sequel also brings a major change involving Sally’s daughters. Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip originally played Kylie and Antonia Owens, but Joey King and Maisie Williams now portray the characters. The recasting became notable because Wood had previously expressed interest in returning.
Digital Spy reported that director Bier said the decision was not personal. She explained that the daughters are now right out of college in the story, meaning the production needed to recast the roles.
Wood later revealed that she was “sad” about missing the opportunity. She said she had offered her services, even if it meant appearing for only one scene or one line.
“I think in the book, it would have made sense to bring me back [but] I think in the way that they’re redoing it and approaching it, it didn’t make sense,” Wood said.
The Westworld star had previously hoped to reunite with her onscreen sisters and revisit the house where they filmed as children. Wood said the cast had bonded deeply during the original movie and that seeing everyone again as adults would have carried a history that could not be recreated.
The Oscar Winner Stands Behind The Use Of AI In Hollywood
Bullock gave a surprising approach at her appearance at CinemaCon 2026. The actress has taken a measured approach to artificial intelligence rather than rejecting the technology outright. Her position suggests that she sees learning about AI as more useful than pretending it will disappear.
The Blast revealed that Bullock believes creatives should find constructive ways to work with AI. She said, “We have to lean into it,” while encouraging people to make the technology their friend. Her comments came while she was discussing AI-generated content connected to “Practical Magic 2.”
Bullock nevertheless warned that embracing the technology does not mean ignoring its dangers. She stressed that Hollywood must be “incredibly cautious and aware” because people could use AI for harmful purposes. Warner Bros. executive Pam Abdy shared a similar view during the discussion. Abdy said the industry needs to acknowledge AI, understand it, learn about it and move forward.
Sandra Bullock Chose Motherhood Over Spotlight
Bullock revealed that she had been quietly using social media before publicly embracing it. “I’d been on social media,” she explained, “but, quietly,” mainly to learn and shop. Her children encouraged her to take a closer look and understand how the platforms worked. Bullock admitted she had been “very reticent” about getting involved publicly.
Motherhood has also remained a major factor in the decisions she makes about her career. Bullock explained that she agreed to star in “Practical Magic 2” because the timing allowed her to work without disrupting her children’s schedule. “I made this film at this time because I knew my kids were out of school,” she said.
Bullock made it clear that taking major film roles will not come at the expense of her children. “I’m not going to sacrifice my time with my kids,” she said, adding that she would not be happy if they were struggling while she was away. She also admitted, “I do not do my best work if my children are struggling or if they need something and I can’t facilitate it.”
Sandra Bullock’s return to “Practical Magic” was also a chance to give flowers to the first maker, Griffin Dunne.
