The witches are back! Practical Magic 2 is officially in production. A video posted to social media shows Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock embracing in a cemetery, as Gilly and Sally Owens commemorating the first day of filming. The sequel just recently announced a swath of new cast members for the follow up to the 1998 whismigoth dream including Maisie Williams and Joey King. The movie is expected to cast spells on audiences September 18, 2026.

The second film is expected to adapt The Book of Magic by original Practical Magic author Alice Hoffman. Kidman and Bullock were the first two confirmed cast members returning to the sequel that will take place nearly thirty years after the original. Susanne Bier is directing the sequel and original screenwriter Akiva Goldsman also returns to the project. Goldsman writes the sequel screenplay with Georgia Pritchett.

One Original Cast Member Won’t Be Returning to ‘Practical Magic 2’

The recent casting announcements include the return of everyone’s favorite aunts: Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing, there also came Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod. The casting includes King confirmed as one of Sally’s daughters. At the news, the actress that played her daughter in the first movie, Evan Rachel Wood, is speaking out about the fact that she is not returning. She took to social media last week to say, “I offered my services, even if it was one scene or one line. I was told they are recasting. I am sorry to disappoint the fans. It was not in my control or my choice. I would have happily rejoined my sisters.”

As for the overall feel of the upcoming sequel, regardless of who is or isn’t joining, Kidman recently teased, “Sandy’s worked with [Bier on Bird Box], too, so the two of us were like, well, this is the perfect triangle because we all know each other so well and so to be able to work together on something that is fun and witchy, that’s fun, and it has something very different to say.” The plot of the book The Book of Magic sees Sally’s daughter, Kylie, grappling with her family’s legacy and curse. At the end of the day, the Owens women are at the heart of each story Hoffman tells and that spirit in all its cozy and witchy glory seems to be carrying into Practical Magic 2.

Practical Magic 2 releases into theaters September of next year.

via Collider