'Practical Magic' Sequel Will Honor Original Film, Says Producer

Published: Aug 06 2024

The eagerly anticipated sequel to the enchanting 'Practical Magic' promises to embody the very essence of its beloved predecessor. In a captivating conversation with People magazine, producer Denise Di Novi, who helmed the 1998 cinematic gem and now co-produces its triumphant return, divulged that the new film will be a heartfelt "tribute" to the original.

'Practical Magic' Sequel Will Honor Original Film, Says Producer 1

"I believe the common pitfall with sequels lies in the temptation to reinvent the wheel, striving for originality at the cost of alienating fans who cherish the uniqueness of the first," Di Novi eloquently shared. She emphasized that the creative force behind this upcoming venture "fully comprehends the profound impact the original film holds for countless individuals, particularly women, and our intention is to pay homage to that in every frame."

"The original film resonates with joy, weaving poignant narratives of sisterhood, familial bonds, acceptance, tolerance, and love," Di Novi continued, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "The mere title, conceived by the esteemed author Alice Hoffman, has seamlessly woven itself into the lexicon of 'Practical Magic,' embodying the idea that magic resides in the mundane—in love, family, and sisterhood. It's a magical realm where each of us possesses unique gifts, and women, in particular, harbor exceptional and distinct abilities. We are eager to celebrate and uphold all of these facets in our upcoming film."

The June announcement that Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman would reprise their iconic roles in the sequel sent waves of excitement through the industry. Akiva Goldsman, a key scribe behind the original masterpiece, has been entrusted with crafting the screenplay, ensuring a seamless continuation of the magical narrative. Bullock and Kidman, alongside Di Novi, are poised to produce this enchanting sequel, promising to reignite the spark that captivated audiences worldwide.

The intricate plot details of the upcoming sequel may still be shrouded in mystery, but Di Novi had previously divulged to Entertainment Weekly that it will embark on an enchanting journey, adapting Hoffman's The Book of Magic—a mesmerizing 2021 sequel that stands as the fourth chapter in the Practical Magic literary saga. The iconic 1998 film, Practical Magic, charmed audiences with its tale of two orphan sisters, played by the captivating Kidman and Bullock, who hailed from a storied lineage of witches. As they were nurtured by their aunts amidst the idyllic landscapes of Massachusetts, they battled against a hex that had doomed them to a loveless existence.

"The fervor on TikTok was nothing short of astonishing, and it continues to simmer with excitement," Di Novi enthused, reflecting on the overwhelming response to the sequel announcement. "It was deeply heartwarming to witness the sheer joy that washed over fans when Warner Brothers unveiled the news of the film's return. It was a testament to the timeless appeal of the franchise."

Furthermore, Di Novi couldn't help but heap praise upon Kidman and Bullock, lauding them for their "remarkable achievements over the past quarter-century since their unforgettable collaboration." "Their careers have soared to unparalleled heights, and the mere prospect of seeing them reunite onscreen once more is a veritable fairy tale come to life," she exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable.

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