Practical Magic Sequel Earns Strong Previews Ahead of Weekend Release
The Warner Bros. sequel 'Practical Magic 2' took in $4.7 million from Thursday previews, with the studio projecting a domestic opening weekend between $30 million and $35 million. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reprise their roles as the Owens sisters in the film, which also stars Joey King, Maisie Williams, and Lee Pace. The movie aims to unseat 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' from the top of the box office.
The sequel, directed by Susanne Bier, carries a $75 million production budget and opens in over 4,000 North American venues. Its 35% Rotten Tomatoes score slightly outperforms the 29% earned by the 1998 original, with reviewers highlighting the on-screen rapport between the two leads.
The film aims to end the six-week reign of *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, which is nearing an all-time domestic box office record. Other weekend newcomers include the historical drama *The Uprising*, the action-comedy *Runner*, and the geopolitical thriller *The Fix*, each opening in varying theater counts with mixed critical reception.
The sequel's solid previews could reinforce Hollywood's reliance on nostalgic revivals, potentially prompting studios to greenlight more legacy follow-ups. Its expected box office win may also disrupt the dominance of superhero franchises, offering theater owners a diversified revenue stream. Audiences might benefit from a broader range of mid-budget, star-driven features, though the mixed critical reception suggests that commercial success may not always align with critical acclaim.