It's been a rough stretch for Warner Bros., and the latest casualty is Practical Magic 2. The sequel, which hit theaters in September, has now been removed from roughly 2,100 screens, leaving it playing in only about 2,000 locations nationwide. The studio is clearly hoping the film will find a second life when it lands on digital platforms on October 13.
The movie, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, was expected to capitalize on the cult following of the 1998 original. But despite opening in over 4,100 theaters, it has struggled to maintain momentum. As of this past weekend, Practical Magic 2 has crossed the $100 million mark globally—a respectable number for many films, but not enough to cover its reported $75 million budget and the estimated $150 million break-even point.
Critics have been lukewarm, with the sequel earning a 36% score on Rotten Tomatoes, barely edging out the original's 31%. Audiences, however, have been far more enthusiastic, giving it a 91% “Verified Hot” rating. That disconnect suggests the film may perform better in the home viewing market, much like its predecessor did decades ago.
The sequel also features Maisie Williams, Joey King, and Lee Pace, with Susanne Bier directing. It marks Bullock's first theatrical release since The Lost City in 2022, and while it hasn't been a box office smash, it's clearly resonated with its target audience.
This news comes amid a turbulent period for Warner Bros., which is undergoing a major transition. The studio's recent release Digger, starring Tom Cruise, was a historic bomb, grossing just $20 million worldwide against a reported $180 million budget. That film is also notable as the last Warner Bros. release before the Paramount takeover and rebranding, and it coincided with the departure of studio chiefs Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca.
For fans of fantasy, the silver lining is that Practical Magic 2 will soon be available to stream at home. And if you're looking for more magical content, check out our list of hidden gem fantasy movies or dive into the best fantasy TV shows of the past 50 years.
Warner Bros. is now pinning its hopes on Dune: Part Three this December to turn things around. Whether Practical Magic 2 will cast a spell on digital audiences remains to be seen, but given the strong audience response, it might just find its magic at home.
