The Practical Magic 2 trailer just dropped, and yes, both Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are officially back as Sally and Gillian Owens, bringing a more mature, "generational legacy" vibe that looks like it’ll be a total hit for nostalgic parents and their "witchcore" obsessed teens.
TL;DR: Practical Magic 2 reunites the original cast for a sequel heavily inspired by Alice Hoffman’s The Book of Magic, focusing on the Owens family curse as Sally’s daughters navigate their own powers. While it keeps the "cozy witch" aesthetic of the original movie, the trailer suggests darker themes of grief and ancestral trauma, making it most appropriate for ages 12 and up. For younger fans of the "magic school" vibe, check out our guide to the best witchy media for kids.
It’s been nearly 30 years since the original Owens sisters danced around a kitchen making midnight margaritas, and the 2026 sequel looks to be leaning heavily into that passage of time. Based on the trailer, the story picks up with Sally and Gillian facing the reality that the "Owens curse"—the one where any man who falls in love with an Owens woman is doomed—hasn't exactly disappeared; it’s just evolved.
The film is largely an adaptation of The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman, which is the final installment in Hoffman’s Practical Magic series. We see Sally’s now-adult daughters, Antonia and Kylie, dealing with the weight of their heritage. If your kids have been into the "cottagecore" or "witchy" aesthetics on TikTok lately, they are likely already seeing clips of this trailer paired with Fleetwood Mac songs.
The "witchy" trend has never really left, but it’s currently peaking again. Between the massive success of Wednesday on Netflix and the resurgence of 90s supernatural nostalgia, Practical Magic 2 is hitting the cultural zeitgeist at the perfect moment.
For us parents, it’s a nostalgia trip. For our kids, it’s an extension of the "aesthetic" culture they live in. The trailer showcases a lot of high-production botanical magic—think sprawling herb gardens, ancient libraries, and atmospheric coastal towns. It’s "vibey" in a way that appeals to Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s love for moody, curated visuals.
However, it's worth noting that this isn't Hocus Pocus. The Practical Magic universe has always been a bit more grounded in real-world stakes like domestic issues, loss, and the complexity of sisterhood.
If you remember the original Practical Magic movie, you know it had some surprisingly dark moments (Jimmy Angelov, anyone?). The sequel seems to be following that "PG-13 but intense" blueprint.
The "Curse" and Romantic Themes
The central plot revolves around the Owens curse. In the trailer, we see the younger generation struggling with the idea that love equals death. It’s a heavy metaphor for the fear of intimacy, and while it’s handled through a supernatural lens, it might spark some deep conversations with your teens about relationships and "destiny."
Supernatural Elements and "The Craft"
This is "herbal magic," not "superhero magic." There’s a lot of focus on spells, potions, and ancestral rituals. If your family is sensitive to depictions of witchcraft, this movie is very much "all in" on that front. It treats the Owens' powers as a biological reality and a sacred tradition.
Grief and Legacy
The 2026 cast includes some heavy hitters playing the younger generation, and the trailer suggests a plot point involving the search for a way to break the curse once and for all. This involves "descending into the past," which includes some spooky imagery and themes of dealing with the deaths of loved ones.
Ask our chatbot for a content breakdown of the original movie
If your kid is hyped for this release, they’ll probably enjoy these other "magical realism" or "witchy" titles that Screenwise has vetted:
- For the "Magic School" Vibe: The Worst Witch (Netflix). It’s much lighter and great for younger siblings (Ages 7+).
- For the Sisterhood Theme: Frozen is the obvious one, but for older kids, Charmed (the original or the reboot) hits those same "sisters against the world" notes.
- For the Aesthetic: Stardew Valley. Honestly, the "witch’s hut" and herbalism aspects of this game scratch the same itch as the Owens' garden without any of the dark drama.
- For the Literature: A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd. It’s a great middle-grade book about family secrets and "small magic" (Ages 8-12).
The Owens family is all about "us against the world," which is a great jumping-off point for a conversation.
Ask your kids:
- "Why do you think the sisters feel like they have to keep their magic a secret from the town?"
- "If you had a family 'curse,' how would you try to change the story for yourself?"
- "The trailer shows the aunts being very eccentric. Do you think it’s better to fit in or to be your weirdest self?"
Check out our guide on talking to teens about supernatural themes
Q: Is Practical Magic 2 appropriate for a 10-year-old?
It depends on the kid, but Screenwise generally recommends this for ages 12 and up due to the darker themes of the "Owens curse" and some intense supernatural imagery. If they handled the first movie fine, they’ll likely be okay here, but expect more "adult" emotional stakes.
Q: Do we need to watch the first movie before seeing Practical Magic 2?
Yes, you definitely should. While the sequel will likely explain the basics, the emotional payoff of seeing Bullock and Kidman back together relies heavily on knowing their history from the original 1998 film.
Q: Is Practical Magic 2 based on a book?
Yes, it draws heavily from The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman, which is the final book in her Practical Magic series. Parents should know the book is definitely "Adult Fiction" with more mature content than the movie might show.
Q: Who is in the Practical Magic 2 cast?
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are returning as the leads. The 2026 cast also introduces rising stars as Sally’s daughters, Antonia and Kylie, though the studio has kept some of the supporting cast "ancestor" cameos a secret for the theatrical release.
Practical Magic 2 looks like a rare "legacy sequel" that actually cares about the characters rather than just the brand. It’s atmospheric, a little bit spooky, and deeply focused on family. If you have a teen who’s into Wednesday or a younger kid who loves Harry Potter, this is going to be their new obsession.
Just be prepared for them to start asking if they can plant a "poisonous" garden in the backyard. (Maybe stick to Stardew Valley for the gardening tips instead.)