Kidman and Bullock's Witchy Sequel Set to Dethrone Spider-Man at Weekend Box Office
Warner Bros.' fantasy sequel "Practical Magic 2" earned $4.7 million in Thursday previews, positioning it to end "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"'s six-week reign atop the domestic charts. The film, starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, is projected to open between $30 million and $40 million domestically and $48 million to $65 million globally. Produced for $75 million, the sequel is also expected to add $18 million to $25 million from international markets.
The sequel's Thursday preview haul of $4.7 million sets the stage for a debut that will likely displace the current Marvel title after a six-week stretch at the top. Analysts project a domestic opening between $30 and $40 million.
Adding international projections of $18 to $25 million, the global launch could reach $65 million. The studio financed the production for $75 million, meaning the opening weekend will cover a significant portion of that outlay.
The potential box office shift could signal a renewed appetite for star-driven fantasy sequels aimed at adult audiences, potentially influencing studio greenlighting decisions for similar projects. Competing exhibitors may benefit from a diversified slate, while the Marvel franchise's prolonged dominance could see a natural cooling period. Audiences might also experience a broader range of theatrical offerings beyond superhero fare, though sustained success depends on word-of-mouth and repeat viewings.