Practical Magic 2 Earns Over $3.5M in Previews

Warner Bros and Alcon's 'Practical Magic 2' has commenced its theatrical run with a robust performance in preview screenings, accumulating an estimated $3.5 million to $4 million. These early figures were generated from showtimes that began at 2 PM on Thursday. This preview gross positions 'Practical Magic 2' favorably against other recent romantic genre films. Specifically, its preview earnings surpass those of 'The Lost City,' starring Sandra Bullock, which garnered $2.5 million in previews before achieving a $31 million three-day opening weekend. The film also outpaced the previews for the romantic comedy featuring George Clooney and Julia Roberts, though specific figures for that film's previews were not detailed in the provided context. The success in previews suggests strong audience interest and bodes well for the film's overall box office performance throughout its opening weekend and beyond. The original 'Practical Magic,' released in 1998, starred Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters who are witches. The film, a supernatural romantic comedy-drama, was directed by Griffin Dunne and based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Alice Hoffman. While the original film received mixed reviews from critics, it developed a significant cult following over the years and has been a consistent performer on home video and streaming platforms, underscoring the enduring appeal of its characters and premise. The sequel, 'Practical Magic 2,' aims to capitalize on this established fanbase and introduce the story to a new generation of viewers. The film's ability to draw audiences to early showtimes on a Thursday indicates a high level of anticipation. The box office performance of 'Practical Magic 2' will be closely watched as an indicator of audience appetite for established franchises and genre films in the current cinematic landscape. The reported preview numbers are a critical early metric for predicting the film's total weekend gross. Further updates on its box office performance are expected as the weekend progresses, providing a clearer picture of its commercial viability and reception. The film's success in these initial screenings is a testament to the marketing efforts and the established brand recognition of the 'Practical Magic' franchise. The positive start suggests that the studio's investment in a sequel to a beloved, albeit niche, property may prove to be a financially sound decision.