Practical Magic 2 Debuts at No. 1 but Fails to Recoup $75M Budget

Key points

• The film earned $30 million in North America and $16 million internationally for a $46 million global debut.
• Inflation-adjusted domestic numbers match the original 1998 release, which also underperformed.
• Critics gave it a 36% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences awarded a B+ grade on CinemaScore.
• The release ends the six-week run of 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' at the top of the charts.

Background

The original 'Practical Magic' released in 1998 grossed $94.4 million worldwide against a $60 million budget, becoming a cult favorite despite poor initial box office performance. The 2026 sequel reunites Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, directed by Susanne Bier, with new cast members Joey King and Maisie Williams.

How outlets are covering it

IndieWire and Variety both note the $30 million domestic opening is disappointing relative to the $75 million production cost, with Variety highlighting the weak $16 million international performance. The Daily Beast criticizes Bullock's performance as 'unwatchable' despite audience enjoyment, while Architectural Digest focuses on the meticulous recreation of the Owens family home set at Leavesden Studios.

Why it matters

The underperformance pressures Warner Bros. leadership, including Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, to reconsider reliance on legacy sequels over original projects, especially as the studio faces other recent misfires like 'The Bride!'.

What to watch

The film must rely on older domestic audiences to sustain its run, as international markets were weak. Its performance will test the viability of nostalgia-driven sequels in the current market.