Kidman and Bullock on Practical Magic's Second Life
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock discuss the film's rediscovery by a new generation and their return as the Owens sisters.
Nearly three decades after its release, the film 'Practical Magic' has found a new audience, and its stars, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, are reflecting on its unexpected journey. The two actors, who are set to reprise their roles as the Owens sisters in an upcoming sequel, recently spoke about how their perception of the original movie has changed over time.
Bullock revealed that she didn't revisit the film alone but instead watched it with her children and their friends to gain a fresh perspective. She explained that she wanted to understand the movie from a viewpoint she didn't have when she first made it. Kidman echoed this sentiment, noting that upon a recent rewatch, she was struck by how good the film actually is.
The film's resurgence in popularity has been an emotional experience, particularly for Bullock. She candidly discussed the difficult press tour for the original movie, describing the reception as 'brutal' and saying the film was criticized for being 'too much, too witchy, too many women.' She admitted to harboring shame about the project for years, unaware that it had found a devoted community online. She credited social media with allowing fans to connect and give the film a new life.
Both actors shared that they only began to appreciate the film's impact in recent years as people approached them to quote lines and discuss scenes. Kidman noted that this gradual wave of appreciation allowed her to finally release into the film and see its merits.
As producers on the sequel, the pair also touched upon the practical challenges of filmmaking, from managing budgets to the stress of production. Bullock noted the difficulty of being fiscally responsible, especially on a film that wasn't a big-budget superhero movie. However, they both expressed a sense of joy in the project, with Kidman adding that bringing a film in on budget allows for a collective sigh of relief.
When asked about the secret to their enduring partnership in an industry that often pits women against each other, both actors emphasized the importance of community and support. Kidman spoke of being open and honest, while Bullock framed their collaboration as a direct counter to the idea that women must compete. Their message was one of mutual success, stating, 'We want you to have what you want.'