Practical Magic: News, Sequel Updates & Cast Info

LOS ANGELES - Nearly three decades after they first bewitched audiences as the Owens sisters, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reunited on stage Thursday night for a surprise Q&A following a special screening of Practical Magic at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. The unscheduled appearance, announced just moments before the film rolled, turned a nostalgic evening into an electric celebration of the cult favorite’s enduring legacy.

The 1998 fantasy romance, directed by Griffin Dunne, was presented as part of a summer series dedicated to beloved supernatural comedies. But the real magic happened after the credits, when Bullock and Kidman walked out to a standing ovation that lasted well over two minutes. Dressed in complementary black ensembles, the two actresses hugged, exchanged whispered jokes, and settled into a conversation moderated by film critic Rebecca Keegan.

“I forgot how much we laughed on that set,” Bullock said, drawing immediate laughter from the audience. “Nicole and I were basically two kids playing dress-up in a haunted house. The studio probably thought we were insane.”

Kidman, who played the free-spirited Gillian opposite Bullock’s cautious Sally, echoed that sentiment. “We had no idea what we were making, honestly,” she said. “We just knew it was funny and strange and romantic, and that we got to wear incredible costumes and blow things up. That was enough for us.”

The film, released on October 16, 1998, follows the Owens sisters, born into a family of witches who have long tried to avoid using their powers. When Gillian’s abusive boyfriend Jimmy Angelov (Goran Višnjić) dies unexpectedly, the sisters attempt to resurrect him - only to accidentally summon a malevolent spirit that threatens their entire bloodline. Meanwhile, a suspicious policeman (Aidan Quinn) closes in. The movie blends romance, comedy, and fantasy into a 104-minute story that has since become a Halloween-season staple on cable and streaming.

Critical reception at the time was mixed - the film holds a modest 6.8/10 on TMDb - but its audience appeal has only grown. That staying power was the evening’s central theme. During the Q&A, Bullock and Kidman reflected on why the film resonates so deeply, particularly with younger viewers discovering it fresh.

“People come up to me and say it’s their comfort movie,” Kidman noted. “They watched it with their mothers or their best friends. It’s about sisterhood, but it’s also about owning who you are, even if who you are is a little weird.”

Bullock added, “We made this movie before anyone talked about ‘genre-bending’ or ‘elevated fantasy.’ We just made a story about two women who love each other and screw up a spell. That’s it. And somehow, that’s enough to keep it alive.”

The actress also addressed the long-rumored sequel, which has been in development limbo for years. “We’ve talked about it endlessly,” Bullock said. “But it has to be right. You can’t just slap a new plot on old magic. If we do it, it has to feel earned.”

Kidman playfully interjected, “Sandra’s being diplomatic. The truth is, we’re waiting for the perfect script, and also for Evan Rachel Wood to stop being so busy.” Wood, who played young Kylie Owens in the original, has frequently expressed interest in reprising her role.

The evening also included a surprise video message from co-star Stockard Channing, who played Aunt Frances. The 82-year-old actress, unable to attend, quipped, “I’m watching from home with my cat and a glass of wine. Do not resurrect anybody without me.” Dianne Wiest, who played Aunt Jet, sent a handwritten note that was read aloud.

Both Bullock and Kidman took time to acknowledge the film's behind-the-scenes figures, particularly producer Denise Di Novi and screenwriter Robin Swicord, who adapted Alice Hoffman’s novel. “Robin gave us these voices that felt real, and Griffin let us play,” Bullock said. “There was no fussiness on set. It was chaos, but the good kind.”

The screening itself drew a full house of devoted fans, many in themed attire - pointy hats, broomsticks, and at least one group dressed as the film’s enchanted black cat. A few audience members even recited lines during key scenes, which prompted Bullock to lean over and whisper to Kidman, “See? We’re immortal.”

The Q&A wrapped with the two actresses leading the crowd in a toast of what Kidman called “witches’ brew” - a non-alcoholic lavender lemonade provided by the theater. Bullock’s final words were simple: “Thank you for still caring about these crazy sisters. We care too.”

The Thursday event was not announced in advance, with the theater only teasing “a special surprise” in its newsletter. By Friday morning, clips from the Q&A had already circulated widely online, reigniting fan campaigns for a sequel. Neither actress has confirmed any new project, but both left the door open.

“Never say never,” Kidman said with a wink. “Magic has a funny way of coming back around.”

Source: The Hollywood Reporter