Sequel Seeks to End Spider-Man's Six-Week Box Office Reign
Warner Bros.' Practical Magic 2, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, is projected to earn $30-35 million domestically in its opening weekend, potentially surpassing the original film's entire domestic run. The sequel opens in over 4,000 theaters and aims to dethrone Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which has held the top spot for six consecutive weeks. Despite poor reviews, the Spider-Man film is on track to become the highest-grossing domestic release of all time.
The sequel arrives nearly three decades after the 1998 original, which grossed $46 million domestically. Warner Bros. projects a debut between $30 million and $35 million, meaning the new installment could eclipse its predecessor's entire domestic haul in just one weekend.
Despite a 36% Rotten Tomatoes score, the film's appeal rests on Bullock and Kidman's chemistry, as noted by critics. Meanwhile, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is poised to break the all-time domestic record, even as it loses its weekly crown to the new arrivals.
The box office battle could signal shifting audience preferences, as a sequel to a 1990s cult classic may draw older demographics seeking nostalgia, while the record-breaking Spider-Man run demonstrates the enduring power of superhero franchises. This competition may influence future studio decisions on reviving older properties versus investing in new IP, potentially shaping the types of films available to moviegoers in the coming years.