Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock thrilled fans with a surprise appearance at a screening of the 1998 beloved film “Practical Magic” on Saturday night at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, as part of the Cinespia outdoor cinema event. The pair, who first appeared as the Owens sisters, took to the screen to present the beloved film and mark the upcoming follow-up, which arrives in cinemas on 11 September. The surprise visit delighted attendees, many of whom had gathered in full witchy regalia—complete with black robes, pointy hats and vintage “Practical Magic” merchandise—for an evening of magic and margaritas at the historic cemetery.
A Mesmerising Experience at Hollywood Forever
The energy at Hollywood Forever Cemetery was vibrant as Kidman and Bullock addressed the enthusiastic crowd gathered beneath the Los Angeles night sky. Bullock began with distinctive warmth, acknowledging the unique venue with a hint of humour. “Thank you so much for showing up tonight. Perfect movie to screen in a cemetery,” she said, before continuing with a wink, “We should also acknowledge the ghosts that are floating around us as well because you’re on their seats.” Her remarks drew roars of laughter from the gathered fans, many of whom were adorned in detailed 1990s-inspired witchy costumes. The moment perfectly captured the whimsical nature of the occasion, combining the otherworldly elements of the film with the very real magic of a direct celebrity experience.
Kidman proceeded with her own heartfelt message, sharing thanks for the viewer enthusiasm that made the sequel possible. “Thank you for all your support for getting this 2nd film made that’s coming to you,” she said warmly. The pair then presented the next generation of Owens sisters: Joey King and Maisie Williams, who will play Sally’s grown-up children Kylie and Antonia in the upcoming follow-up. The younger actresses stepped forward holding margaritas, capturing the playful spirit of the evening. Kidman raised her glass and proposed a toast: “To the coven,” inspiring the entire crowd to raise their drinks in recognition of the magical franchise that has enthralled viewers for nearly three decades.
- Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock delighted fans at the cemetery screening event
- Joey King and Maisie Williams unveiled as the new generation Owens sisters
- Crowd raised a glass “to the coven” over margaritas in celebration of the franchise
- “Practical Magic 2” arrives in cinemas on 11 September 2026
The Owens Siblings Appear on Screen Once Again
“Practical Magic Part 2” promises to transport audiences back to the enchanting world of the Owens family, with the sequel set 28 years following the original film’s events. Helmed by Susanne Bier, the film explores a world “steeped in moonlit mischief and potent family enchantments” as the sisters face the sinister hex that has haunted their lineage for three centuries. The narrative follows Sally as she has settled into a quieter life making pastries and avoiding romantic entanglements, whilst Gilly continues her increasingly turbulent romantic pursuits. However, the family’s ancient curse refuses to remain dormant, threatening to destroy everything the sisters have built.
The curse hits with devastating consequences when Sally’s daughter Kylie becomes trapped by its grip. Her romantic interest becomes the curse’s target, knocked down by a car whilst cycling with roses offered as a loving token. This central conflict sets the stage for a gripping journey that combines the otherworldly aspects fans adored in the original with new turns and amplified peril. The film offers “a essential viewing of humour, enchantment and chaos,” suggesting a perfect balance between the witchy humour that made the 1998 original a iconic cult film and real narrative weight.
Presenting the Next Generation
Joey King and Maisie Williams stepped into their roles as Kylie and Antonia with clear passion, embodying the fresh dynamism that will drive the sequel forward. King shared her enthusiasm about becoming part of the series, speaking to those present: “Maisie and I are so delighted to be part of the coven as Kylie and Antonia. We really believe you’ll appreciate the new movie as much as we did making it.” The actresses’ presence on stage, armed with margaritas in hand, marked a effortless handover from one iteration of the Owens family to the next.
The rapport between King and Williams, evident even during their brief appearance, suggests they will create compelling chemistry to the cherished franchise. Their participation has distinctly appealed with devoted followers, as reflected in the positive reaction at the cemetery screening. With their addition to the cast, “Practical Magic 2” bridges the gap between celebrating the original’s impact and presenting fresh narratives that will captivate both longtime devotees and audiences discovering the Owens family for the first time when the film releases on 11 September.
What’s Coming in the Next Instalment
Nearly three decades have passed since the original film, and the Owens sisters have settled into distinctly different lives. Sally has devoted herself to homemaking, directing her attention toward baking cakes and maintaining a deliberate distance from romantic entanglements. Meanwhile, Gilly has chosen a contrasting direction, following a more unpredictable romantic lifestyle that features a string of unsuitable suitors she meets through digital dating services. Yet despite their efforts to live peacefully and distant from their family’s dark legacy, the paranormal powers that have plagued the Owens lineage refuse to remain dormant, set to draw them back into the magical world they’ve tried so hard to escape.
Director Susanne Bier has developed a narrative that seeks to merge the lighthearted wit and romantic touches that established the 1998 original so beloved with authentic dramatic tension and intensified otherworldly suspense. The film is positioned as “a must-see cinematic event of fun, magic and mayhem,” indicating a careful balance between the enchanted comedy that appealed to audiences long ago and grittier, more sophisticated storytelling. With its autumn premiere looming, enthusiasm steadily mounts amongst devotees eager to see how the saga will progress whilst remaining true to its enchanting roots.
| Character | Plot Development |
|---|---|
| Sally Owens | Now living a quiet life baking cakes whilst deliberately avoiding romantic relationships and their potential consequences |
| Gilly Owens | Pursuing an active dating life through modern applications, attracting a parade of unsuitable romantic interests named Chad |
| Kylie (Sally’s daughter) | Falls victim to the family curse when her romantic interest is struck by a car, setting the sequel’s central conflict in motion |
| The Owens Curse | A 300-year-old family curse that refuses to remain dormant, threatening to unravel everything the sisters have built across generations |
- The three-hundred-year-old Owens family curse carries profound damage into the next generation
- Kylie’s love interest becomes the curse’s target, struck whilst on her bicycle with romantic rose bouquets
- The film combines ghostly wit with genuine dramatic tension and heartfelt consequences
Cinespia’s Magical 25th Anniversary
The Hollywood Forever Cemetery screening represented a particularly special occasion for Los Angeles’s beloved Cinespia film festival, which honours its 25th anniversary this year. The open-air film experience has evolved into an celebrated summer tradition, converting the historic cemetery into an enchanted venue where cinephiles and casual film enthusiasts alike congregate beneath the stars. Saturday’s “Practical Magic” event demonstrated the festival’s unique ability to produce memorable, immersive experiences that transcend conventional cinema screenings, blending cinema with atmosphere, community spirit, and unexpected celebrity moments.
What began as a small-scale screening initiative has evolved into one of Southern California’s most anticipated cultural events, attracting thousands of attendees annually to witness timeless and modern films in an atmosphere brimming with nostalgia and magic. The festival’s choice to screen “Practical Magic” felt especially fitting, given the film’s lasting cult status and its narrative connection with the cemetery’s mystical surroundings. The unexpected visits by Kidman and Bullock underscored Cinespia’s dedication to crafting memorable nights that honour both cinema history and the films that continue to captivate audiences across generations.
A Summer of Timeless Cinema
Throughout summer, Cinespia presents an eclectic programme of beloved classics and cult classics, encouraging attendees to experience cinema in a distinctly distinctive venue. The festival transforms the serene Hollywood Forever Cemetery into a dynamic cultural destination, where visitors wear themed outfits, sample themed beverages, and rediscover movies that have influenced popular culture. This year’s twenty-fifth anniversary milestone promises an especially robust slate of screenings, paying tribute to the festival’s tradition whilst bringing new viewers to iconic cinematic works.