Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock Prove Opposites Attract at Practical Magic 2 Premiere

Nearly 30 years after Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman first appeared as the witchy Owens sisters, the iconic actresses are celebrating their return to the Practical Magic universe with two contrasting yet complementary ensembles.

At the European premiere of Practical Magic 2 on August 26, Bullock and Kidman reunited for the first official red carpet of the press tour in London. Kidman was ethereal in a shimmering, slim-fitting custom Chanel gown with cascading pearls draped along the neckline. Bullock—always in favor of a striking color story—went decidedly maximalist in a leopard-print Givenchy corset gown with a thigh-high slit and a gargantuan bow. While Kidman wore little jewelry, Bullock layered on gold necklaces with statement T-strap heels. “Whimsigoth,” they were certainly not. Still, with their structured strapless bodices and opulent high-leg slits, the actresses appeared in sync below the surface—much like their idiosyncratic on-screen counterparts.

A Halloween classic, Practical Magic follows Sally (Bullock) and Gillian (Kidman) as witch sisters with opposite personalities, navigating a generational love-life curse in very different ways. In the 1998 film, Gillian is free-spirited and chaotic, while Sally is reserved and cautious. The sequel finds them reprising their roles over two decades later—this time, with Sally’s two gifted daughters (Joey King and Maisie Williams) also in the mix.

While the second generation of stars have leaned into witchy method-dressing and gothic codes, their on-screen maternal figures appear to take a more personality-driven approach to promotional dressing. If their red carpet outfits are any indication, perhaps the Owens’ dynamics may be in for a shift, with Sally venturing into wilder territory and Gillian taking a turn for the angelic. The sequel hits theaters on September 11. Until then, we’ll be waiting to see what other red carpet magic unfolds.