Warner Bros. Pulls Practical Magic 2 From Theaters
The studio significantly reduced the theatrical footprint of the film following a move to the PVOD market.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Magic
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Warner Bros. has removed Practical Magic 2 from 3,900 theaters after the film underperformed during its domestic run. The studio has shifted the sequel to the premium video-on-demand market.
Why it matters
The decision reflects the studio's strategy to cut theatrical losses for a production that failed to gain significant momentum at the box office. The sequel is now expected to find its intended audience through home video platforms.
The film has grossed $105 million worldwide against a $75 million production budget, currently holding a 36% critics' score and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The players
Warner Bros.
This major American film studio is a division of Warner Bros. Discovery and is responsible for the distribution and production of numerous high-profile cinematic releases.
Sandra Bullock
An award-winning American actress and producer known for her extensive filmography and starring roles in major commercial hits.
Nicole Kidman
An acclaimed actress who has received numerous accolades for her work in film and television productions spanning several decades.
The details
Practical Magic 2, which features Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Maisie Williams, and Joey King, was originally released in over 4,000 theaters. It will continue its run in just 147 locations during its seventh week.
Timeline
September 11, 2026: Practical Magic 2 was released in theaters.
October 2026: Warner Bros. removed the film from most theaters.
Industry Dynamics
The film's performance highlights the ongoing challenge of sustaining franchise momentum, as the sequel struggles to outperform the original $95 million worldwide gross of the 1998 hit. This pivot illustrates a broader studio trend of rapidly moving underperforming theatrical releases to PVOD channels to mitigate costs.
Viewers can no longer easily find the film in traditional cinema settings as the theatrical footprint has been reduced to 147 theaters. The movie is now primarily available for rental or purchase through premium video-on-demand services.
The takeaway
Studios are increasingly prioritizing home viewing windows for films that do not meet theater attendance expectations. Fans of the franchise can continue to support the sequel through digital platforms where the title has already transitioned.
Further reading
For more information on the current state of the film industry, see Magic.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Collider.
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