It’s been more than a quarter-century since Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock first bewitched audiences as the Owens sisters—two women who love deeply, fight fiercely, and just so happen to be witches. Now, with the cameras rolling on Practical Magic 2, fans have reason to believe in magic all over again.

A Hug Heard ‘Round the World

On a sun-dappled Friday set, Nicole Kidman shared a behind-the-scenes video that sent social media into a frenzy: She and Sandra Bullock, arms wrapped around each other, beaming with the unmistakable joy of old friends reunited. “The witches are back ✨ Owens sisters’ first day on set! #PracticalMagic,” Kidman captioned the clip, giving fans their first official glimpse at the long-awaited sequel.

The chemistry between the Oscar-winning actresses is as potent as ever. Kidman (now 58) and Bullock (60) will reprise their beloved roles as Gillian and Sally Owens, the magical siblings whose journey of love, loss, and sisterhood made 1998’s Practical Magic a cult classic.

The Magic Continues

For those who need a refresher: The original Practical Magic, based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel, followed the Owens sisters as they battled a centuries-old curse that doomed the men they loved. Along the way, they relied on each other—and their eccentric aunts—for strength, wisdom, and a little bit of mischief.

Now, with Practical Magic 2 officially in production and slated for a theatrical release on September 18, 2026, the excitement is spellbinding. Fans have waited decades for this moment, and the film promises to deliver both nostalgia and new adventures.

Familiar Faces—and New Ones, Too

But the magic doesn’t end with Sally and Gillian. Also returning to the enchanting Owens household are Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, reprising their roles as the aunts who raised the sisters—and taught them everything they know about spells, sisterhood, and surviving in a world that doesn’t always understand them.

Channing, 81, will again play Frances “Franny” Owens, the sharp-tongued, no-nonsense matriarch. Wiest, 77, returns as the gentle, nurturing Bridget “Jet” Owens. As described in the film’s official release, these characters remain “the eccentric and wise matriarchs who taught the Owens sisters everything they know about magic, mischief and self-reliance.”

The sequel also introduces fresh faces to the Owens family tree and their magical world. Joey King joins the cast as Sally’s daughter, while Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod round out the ensemble, promising new dynamics and surprises for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

A Story Rooted in Sisterhood and Love

While details about the plot of Practical Magic 2 remain tightly under wraps, producer Denise Di Novi—who also produced the original—has promised that the heart and soul of the story will remain unchanged. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE last year, Di Novi emphasized the importance of honoring what made the first film so special.

“I think the big mistake people make with sequels is when they kind of want to reinvent the wheel and be totally original and surprise people that it’s different or whatever,” Di Novi explained. “There’s a joyousness to that movie, and there are such beautiful themes of sisterhood and family and acceptance, tolerance, love.”

She continued, “Just the title that Alice Hoffman, the amazing author, thought of that’s now become part of the vernacular of Practical Magic is that there’s magic in daily life, in love, in family, in sisterhood. It’s magical, and we all have our gifts, and women have very particular and specific gifts. We really want to honor all of that.”

The Creative Team Behind the Spell

The sequel’s screenplay is being crafted by Akiva Goldsman—who penned the original—alongside Succession writer Georgia Pritchett, ensuring a blend of wit, warmth, and emotional depth. Both Bullock and Kidman are also serving as producers, alongside Di Novi, bringing a personal touch and a sense of continuity to the project.

Why ‘Practical Magic’ Still Casts a Spell

Since its release in 1998, Practical Magic has grown from a modest box office success into a beloved classic, cherished for its quirky humor, memorable performances, and empowering message. For many, the film is a touchstone—a reminder of the power of sisterhood, the resilience of women, and the everyday magic woven through life’s joys and challenges.

It’s no wonder that the news of a sequel has sparked such excitement. Social media has been abuzz with fans sharing favorite quotes, memories, and hopes for what the new film might bring. “I grew up watching Practical Magic with my mom and my sisters,” one fan tweeted. “Seeing Nicole and Sandra together again feels like coming home.”

The Promise of More Magic

With production underway and the original cast and creative team reunited, Practical Magic 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026. The story will undoubtedly explore new territory, but its roots remain in the relationships that made the first film so unforgettable.

For Kidman and Bullock, stepping back into the shoes of Gillian and Sally is more than just a return to familiar characters—it’s a celebration of friendship, resilience, and, of course, a little bit of magic.

Never Miss a Moment

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The Final Word

In a world that sometimes feels short on enchantment, the return of the Owens sisters is a reminder that magic lives in the bonds we share and the love we give. As Kidman and Bullock embrace on set, it’s clear: The witches are back, and the world is ready for a little more Practical Magic.