Sandra Bullock recalls Practical Magic struggles

Sandra Bullock reflects on Practical Magic’s rocky debut

In an Entertainment Weekly interview recorded for the cast of Practical Magic 2, Bullock, now 62, recalled the original film’s difficult launch. She said the movie’s initial press tour felt “bumpy.”

“When we first came out, it was a bumpy road for us.”

Sandra Bullock, actress, via Entertainment Weekly

According to Bullock, reporters repeatedly asked why the story featured “so many women,” a line of questioning she found surprising. She added that the negative response left her “sad” rather than ashamed.

“I don’t want to say I had shame, but I was sad at how it sort of was received initially.”

Sandra Bullock, actress, via Entertainment Weekly

The 1998 witch‑themed drama, which follows sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, did not become the cult favorite it is today until years later. Bullock noted that when the film finally “caught its wave,” audiences used social media to find each other, creating a community she had not anticipated.

“When it caught its wave with those who were supposed to find it, and they were able to coven and communicate with social media, everyone found each other, and we didn’t realize how big that audience was.”

Sandra Bullock, actress, via Entertainment Weekly

Nicole Kidman describes fan‑driven sisterhood

Kidman, 59, echoed Bullock’s sentiment, crediting a “groundswell of sisterhood” that turned the film into a repeated‑viewing favorite.

“It was sort of like this groundswell of sisterhood that just went, ‘No, this is our film. We love it. We rewatch it over and over again, and you have to make it.’”

Nicole Kidman, actress, via Entertainment Weekly

Kidman also hinted at the motivation behind a sequel, saying a super‑fan she works with keeps “watching over it always” and that many “uber fans” know every detail.

“I have a girl that works with me who is a super fan and so she was watching over it always, and I know a number of people that I know who are who are just uber fans, and that was kind of lovely because they know every detail.”

Nicole Kidman, actress, via Entertainment Weekly

Sequel returns original cast and adds newcomers

Practical Magic 2 is scheduled for theatrical release on Sept. 10. The sequel brings back Bullock, Kidman, Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing while introducing Lee Pace, Joey King and Maisie Williams.

Anya Taylor‑Joy’s tissue‑paper gown sparks mixed reaction

V Magazine’s Fall 2026 issue featured Anya Taylor‑Joy on its cover wearing a gown crafted from bonded tissue paper, designed by Zac Posen at Gap Studio. The cover was photographed by Nick Knight and styled by Anna Trevelyan.

• One commentator wrote that the look was “very pleasantly surprised” and praised its “light, airiness, and fairytale‑esque glamour,” but called the Montblanc pen product placement “CRINGE level 1000.”
• Another said the spread “would have been perfect without the pen and phrase.”
• A third critic dismissed it as “forgettable.”

The fashion piece attracted both praise for its whimsical aesthetic and criticism for its commercial tie‑in, but it is unrelated to the Practical Magic narrative.

Kevin Jobity Jr. Earns Steelers roster spot despite being undrafted

Undrafted rookie Kevin Jobity Jr. Secured a place on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 53‑man roster, beating out veterans Dean Lowry and Esezi Otomewo. Jobity, who played at Syracuse from 2022 to 2025, amassed 84 combined tackles, 10 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss in college.

“I was at the movie theater just trying to take my mind off of everything… I saw [Young’s] text and ran out of there in three seconds.”

Kevin Jobity Jr., rookie, via Steelers Wire

Their confidence, expressed before the roster decision, proved “huge” as they made the team directly after the 2026 NFL Draft.

Peoria police arrest 18‑year‑old after weekend shooting

Peoria, Illinois police announced that 18‑year‑old Marquise R. Paul was taken into custody for alleged aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and resisting police. Officers responded to a shooting near North Wisconsin and East Forrest Hill Avenue at approximately 9:20 p.m. On Saturday.

Police spokeswoman Semone Roth said officers saw Paul fleeing on foot and located a gun along his path. Two victims—a three‑year‑old and a ten‑year‑old—sustained non‑life‑threatening leg wounds and were treated at a local hospital.

What lies ahead for the Practical Magic franchise?

With the sequel’s release date confirmed for Sept. 10, the reunited cast will likely revisit the Owens sisters’ magical lineage. Bullock’s and Kidman’s reflections suggest the studio is positioning the sequel as a celebration of the film’s cult resurgence.

FAQ

• When does Practical Magic 2 open in theaters? It is scheduled for Sept. 10.
• Which original cast members return? Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing.
• What new actors join the sequel? Lee Pace, Joey King and Maisie Williams.
• How did the original film’s reception affect its cast? Bullock described feeling “sad” about early criticism; Kidman highlighted a fan‑driven “groundswell of sisterhood.”
• Are there any related entertainment stories on the same day? Yes. Anya Taylor‑Joy’s tissue‑paper gown garnered mixed online reactions, and rookie Kevin Jobity Jr. Made the Steelers roster.
• What public safety incident occurred nearby? An 18‑year‑old was arrested in connection with a shooting that injured two boys, ages three and ten, in Peoria on Saturday.