David Bridges
Practical Magic 2 has rapidly climbed to the top of our list of the most eagerly awaited film releases of 2026. The original film, released in 1998, chronicles the romantic entanglements and whimsical adventures of the enchanting Owens sisters, portrayed by the talented Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. This beloved classic has garnered a cult following, especially around Halloween, making its return to the big screen highly anticipated. Although a sequel may not have been a necessity, the desire from devoted fans has been unmistakable. Excitingly, we now have insights into the new cast joining Bullock and Kidman in this magical sequel.
First and foremost, it was imperative to bring back the beloved characters of Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, who play the aunts that raised Bullock and Kidman’s characters after the tragic loss of their parents. As confirmed by Deadline, their return is officially happening, which is sure to add to the film’s charm. It seems like midnight margaritas are in order for all the fans!
However, our curiosity is piqued regarding the supporting cast, as it could provide essential hints about the storyline of Practical Magic 2. In May, the talented Joey King joined the ensemble, and according to the Hollywood Reporter, she is set to play one of Bullock’s daughters. This character is pivotal as she uncovers dark family secrets and her own mysterious powers, which ultimately leads the family into a tumultuous crisis.
In addition to the exciting news about Channing and Wiest, the Deadline report unveiled more intriguing names joining the cast: Maisie Williams, known for her iconic role as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones, Xolo Maridueña from Cobra Kai and Blue Beetle, Solly McLeod recognized from House of the Dragon, and the charismatic Lee Pace from Foundation.
While specific character details for these newcomers remain undisclosed, the plot of the sequel is still shrouded in mystery. However, a piece from Entertainment Weekly in 2024 hints that readers might find valuable clues in Alice Hoffman’s The Book of Magic, which serves as the sequel to her original novel Practical Magic.
With King portraying one of Sally Owens’ daughters, it’s reasonable to speculate that Williams could take on the role of her sister. Furthermore, considering Maridueña and McLeod are of the right age, they might portray potential love interests for this new generation of magical beings.
The question remains: how does Pace fit into this enchanting narrative? Could this beloved actor, who is currently captivating audiences in the third season of Apple TV+’s sci-fi sensation Foundation, take on a villainous role? His impressive range for dramatic performances and his penchant for extravagant costumes—think Thranduil the Elvenking in The Hobbit trilogy or Ronan the Accuser in both Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain Marvel—could certainly lend itself to a darker character. Additionally, The Book of Magic introduces a long-lost Owens brother, which could also be a potential avenue for Pace’s involvement.
This leads us to one notable name yet to be confirmed for the Practical Magic 2 roster: Aidan Quinn, who portrayed the charming lawman who fell in love with Bullock’s character in the first film. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on whether he will reprise his role before the film graces theaters on September 18, 2026.
Are you eager for more io9 news? Stay tuned to find out when the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases are set to drop, what’s next for the DC Universe in film and television, and all the exciting developments regarding the future of Doctor Who.
Brandon Fletcher
Ethan Carter
