Practical Magic 2 has gotten off to a strong start at the box office despite harsh early reviews. The Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman-led follow-up is already showing signs of audience interest ahead of its first full weekend.
According to a Deadline report, Practical Magic 2 earned an estimated $3.5 million to $4 million from Thursday previews. Showtimes began at 2 p.m., with the preview haul exceeding that of several recent comparison films.
The figure is above The Lost City’s $2.5 million and Ticket to Paradise’s $1.1 million. Meanwhile, Wuthering Heights made $3 million in previews before opening to $32.8 million over three days. Deadline also reports a $70 million net production cost and a $30 million-$35 million domestic opening target for the current weekend.
Practical Magic 2 is following a familiar path despite negative reviews
Practical Magic 2 currently has a 36% score on Rotten Tomatoes, mirroring the original’s poor critical reception. The 1998 film holds a 30% score on the site, yet it opened well. It earned $46.8 million domestically and $94.4 million worldwide.
The original’s theatrical run was only part of its commercial story, as it later developed a strong following. Its continued popularity helped keep the Owens sisters relevant to the audiences years after its release. Practical Magic 2 now has the advantage of returning stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, as well as the franchise’s established recognition.
The new film follows Sally and Gillian Owens as they face another threat tied to their family’s magical legacy. Sally’s daughters, Kylie and Antonia, are also drawn into the conflict as the family’s long-running curse returns. The story expands the franchise with Joey King and Maisie Williams alongside Bullock and Kidman.
Susanne Bier directs Practical Magic 2 from a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett, and Kelly Marcel. Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing also appear in the cast. Warner Bros. is distributing the film in theaters worldwide.
